Coconut development project launched to increase production

K. A. Perera, Wadduwa special corr.

WADDUWA: The Coconut Development Board has inaugurated a new coconut development project to increase the production in the island. It is scheduled to grow coconuts in twenty acres and the abandoned land will be utilised for growing coconut saplings said, Dr. Jayantha Goonetillaka, Chairman, Coconut Development Board.

Rupees eighteen million would be allocated for the re-planting project of coconut-saplings. It is expected to distribute thirty lakhs of coconut saplings including the fertiliser, the Chairman said.

However in the open market at Kalutara, Wadduwa and Beruwala, a nut has shot up to beyond Rs. 20.

The small-scale coconut growers at Wadduwa said that there is a scarcity of coconuts during this season and it is unavoidable.

The partition of coconut lands in the coastal area for construction of houses has badly affected the production.