Boost for Southern Province fruit cultivation

P. P. G. Sugathadasa, Thihagoda group correspondent

Southern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture has initiated a programme to enhance the fruit cultivation in the region.

According to Senani de Silva, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Matara the proposed projects are being implemented at Divisional Secretariat Division level in the Matara district.

The top priority has been extended for cultivations of rambuttan, banana, papaw, pine apples and durian under the programme.

Rambuttan and durian have successfully being cultivated in the Divisional Secretariat Division of Thihagoda, Kamburupitiya and Malimbada in the Matara district papaw, banana and pineapples are presently being grown at agricultural divisions level in the district, sources of the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Matara said.

Southern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture targets to bring about 500 hectares of land under fruit cultivation in the Matara district before the end of the year.

The Ministry handles the programme with the supervision of the office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Matara.

The Ministry also funds the programme, a senior official attached to office of the Assistant Director of Agriculture, Matara told the Daily News.