Bid to boost paddy cultivation in Matara

P. P. G. Sugathadasa, Thihagoda Group Corr

MATARA: The Agriculture Ministry of Southern Province has launched a programme to promote paddy cultivation in the Matara District.

Under this programme high yielding varieties of seed paddy such as BG 379/2, BG 357, BG 350, BG 359, BW 361 and LD 356 have been introduced to farmers in the Matara district. According to the Matara Deputy Director of Agriculture, BG 379/2 paddy variety is mostly cultivated and popular among farmers in the Agrarian Services divisions of Madanyangoda, Yatiyana.

Over 150 bushels can be reaped per acre through successful cultivation of this paddy variety. BG 357, BG 359 seed paddy varieties are popular among farmers in Daiyandara, Pitabeddara and Akuressa Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Matara District.

Of the 120 bushels of paddy can be yielded from an acre and LD 356, BW 361 seed paddy varieties are presently being cultivated in Weligama, Akuressa, Pasgoda and Wilipitiya Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Matara District. Bushels of paddy amounting to over 120 can easily be reaped by this variety from an acre.

Over 16,800 acres of land has been brought under paddy cultivation in the district. The number of farmer families engaged in cultivation is 110,000. Farming implements and technical know-how for paddy cultivation are also being provided to farmers by the Agriculture Ministry.

Paddy harvest has considerably increased following the fertilizer subsidy introduced by the government, Deputy Director said.