I wish to share my views on the above subject with others in the
trade. The above assignment is costly, but is essential due to the
following reasons. However, some are of the opinion that weeding
undertaken on estates and plantations are unproductive, which depends on
how and when this work is undertaken, and for what purpose.
If it is undertaken more frequently than actually necessary, it
definitely comes under the above category, but if not, it cannot be
classified as above, as then it becomes a major contributor to achieving
additional production, thereby making same a productive assignment,
without which harvesting of all available crops would not be possible,
thereby losing crop and revenue.
The above assignment when undertaken on a given cycle maintains
satisfactory ground conditions strengthening security of the plantation,
thereby reducing thieving as well, making supervision easy.
Similar to overgrasing, overweeding is also very harmful to
plantations, hence this work to be undertaken when necessary only.
On coconut plantations preferably prior to picking of crop,
facilitating free movement of pickers with picking poles and workers for
gathering and transporting of pick and fallen nuts. Accordingly, a round
of weeding once every other pick is recommended, depending on the
prevalent weather of course.
To experience the benefit of this exercise, one could allow weeds to
overgrow and undertake harvesting of crops, which will give negative
results.
The above is due to ring pickers, gatherers and transporters being
prevented from exploring all areas of such a plantation giving a
reduction in crop, whereas once cleared of the above unsatisfactory
condition would indicate opposite results, due to all palms being
harvested, collected and accounted for.
Under the above circumstances, if one were to admit the above as an
unproductive assignment, I am certain those with experience will agree
with me that it is not a penny wise pound foolish exercise.
After all, if you spend Rs. 25,000 on an assignment which gives a
return of Rs. 50,000 that is what administration is all about and not
vice versa, which is a folly and should be avoided.
TOMMY WANIGESINGHE - Kurunegala
I was surprised to find that the condition of the road from Marassana
to Ududeniya to be in a deplorable state.
I made this discovery during my visit to this area.
The road was full of potholes, pits, scattered gravels, metals etc.
which impeded the smooth movement of vehicles.
Pedestrians were always at the risk of being splashed by muddy, dirty
water whenever vehicles passed by them.
Schoolchildren often get their white uniforms spoiled by the
splashing of water.
Residents of Ududeniya live in houses which have been built on hilly
places and access to these areas, is very difficult specially for
visitors.
Let the authorities concerned open their eyes to embark upon the
repairs of the damaged roads for the convenience of the inhabitants of
the Ududeniya region.
M. Y. M. MEEADH - Dumbuluwawa
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