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Promoting traditional ways of growing food crops

by Kegalle special correspondent

A project to grow food crops, vegetables and fruits without using agro-chemical fertilizer and such insecticides, has been initiated by the multipurpose co-operative society of Hemmathagama in the Mawanella area.

The principal aim of this society is to protect the traditional ways and means of improving crops without resorting to the usage of agro-chemical fertilizer and insecticides which are harmful to the health of the people and the environment.

It is also expected to conserve the indigenous plants that are gradually going extinct unobserved, owing to the frequent use of agro-chemical fertilizer and insecticides.

It has been felt that numerous varieties of medicinal herbs used in indigenouis treatment have already disappeared from fields owing to the frequent use of agro-chemicals.

The organisers hope to organise a competition in the cultivation of indigenous vegetables, fruits and medicinal herbs along with various other crops such as old varieties of paddy which are not susceptible to disease and pests and if ever they arise, to control them by using the traditional methods in controlling those diseases and pests, so that there shall not be any harmful effects to humanity and the environment.

The Chairman of Mawanella-Hemmathagama multipurpose society, Karunarathne Kappagoda told our correspondent that this society proposes to open up a sales point soon in Mawanella town for fruits, vegetables and cereals that are raised without the utilization of agro-chemicals and dangerous insecticides for human lives.

A large number of applications have been received from cultivators requesting membership of this new organisation.

Very soon the organisers expect to have seminars and workshops for the members, to educate them of the traditional methods of improving crops and of preventing the crops from pest attacks using ancient methods and systems of agriculture.

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