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'Grow more jak to free the starving'

by Rajmi Manatunga

The project to extend cultivation of jak and popularize jak related food products organized by the ANCL in collaboration with Environment and Natural Resources Ministry, Agriculture and Samurdhi Ministry and several other state and non governmental organizations will be launched on June 11.

The main objectives of the project conducted under the theme "Grow more jak to free the starving" are enabling the country to face future food scarcity, educating the public about the nutritious and medicinal value of jak and provide job opportunities for the youth by setting up various jak-related industries.

Briefing the media on the project ANCL Editorial Director and President of the Project Bandula Padmakumara said that land has already been granted by several organizations to plant jak including the BMICH, Kandy Ranaviru Authority and several provincial councils. "We plan to grow 100 jak plants each at the BMICH premises and in places like the Vihara Maha Devi Park and extend the project to Mahaweli Regions, he said.

'Silumina' Editor Thilakaratne Kuruwita Bandara addressing the gathering said that although cultivation programs are initiated each year, no results could be seen as there is nobody to take care of the plants. But we hope to look after the plants until they mature, he added. The organizers also hope to distribute budded jak plants in order to popularize the project among the urban community, hold a series of awareness programs on jak related food products for schoolchildren and distribute the plants among them.

Veteran film star Malani Fonseka has also volunteered to help popularize this jak cultivation project among people. Addressing the media she said that we should learn a lesson from our ancestors and try to reduce hunger by cultivating crops like jak which are devoid of harmful chemicals.

Project secretary and CAO Sarath Amarakoon and Project Co-ordinator Nihal P Abeysinghe were also present at the occasion. The program on June 11 will be followed by jak planting ceremonies in Kandy, Galle, Matara, Anuradhapura, Kegalle and many other districts. People could contribute jak plants and take part in jak planting ceremonies.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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