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Pragmatic programs should be evolved to eliminate poverty - PC Minister

by Chilaw special correspondent

Pragmatic and realistic programs should be evolved to eliminate poverty from our midst. As it is, the profuse and bountiful resources in the Wayamba Province were not properly utilised due to unwieldy and ineffectual management. There was enough water for irrigation, and if they were willing, any type of cultivation could be done in these parts. But, everything seems to cater mainly to the rich, who are bent on fleecing the poor and underprivileged, said Wayamba Provincial Council Minister of Fisheries and Co-operatives B. Anthony Victor Perera.

He was addressing a meeting held at the Wayamba Provincial Fisheries Ministry Aquatic Resort, Pambala, Chilaw after handing over cheques amounting Rs. 215,000 as loans to members of Women's Co-operative Societies at Dewalehandiya and Thimbirigolla in Chilaw to commence gainful self-employment schemes.

The Provincial Minister said, through the good offices of the Wayamba Chief Minister, these funds were allocated for the upliftment of needy women. So they should utilise this money for their enterprises. They should obtain the technical knowledge and know-how needed to start growing flowers such as orchids or some agriculture projects like cultivating vegetables and other valuable crops. Orchids were sold at the rate of Rs. 2.25 each. There were about 100 orchid growers in the Wayamba province. They could also nurture ornamental fish to make a profit and get a side income. They could even rear cattle and goats, which would accrue for them a good income. They could initially cultivate just about a quarter of an acre on a small scale to start with, to get a good yield for their sustenance and then gradually improve when they will be doing well, he said.

The Minister said entrepreneurs could start rearing crab or initiate a poultry farm in order to sell eggs and chicken for a decent living. It's a pity that they have not acquired technical knowledge to enhance their income. As it is, they knew only very little in regard to technical knowledge. They should cultivate suitable crops by discovering what crops they could grow in their villages. They should focus on the world market for flowers which had a bigger demand. In the same manner, they could also grow cashew in their areas to boost their economy. And, we are prepared to provide you all the know-how and training necessary to start an industry or a gainful employment scheme. I have seen community agricultural farms thriving and it is gratifying to observe that they are making large profits, and thereby enhancing their social security and income generation. I handed over Rs. 150,000 to the Wathupola farm to effect further improvement to boost its income.

I'll take steps to hand over loans to prospective entrepreneurs who wished to start projects, and they will have to pay only a lesser interest than the banks. Loans could be obtained in proportion to the respective projects they hope to embark upon, he pointed out.

H. M. Jayatilleke, Multipurpose Zonal Co-operative Development Inspector, R. D. N. Ranasingha, Wayamba Provincial Ministry Fisheries and Co-operative Development Officer, B. M. L. C. Balasuriya, Wayamba Human Resources Development Authority Executive Officer and several others also spoke.

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Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
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