Damaged anicut cripples paddy cultivation

B.W. Eheliyagoda Kegalle Special correspondent

The Ambuwangala anicut in the Rambukkana constituency which was constructed in 2005 with funds from the United Nations was severely damaged by the floods in 2007.

With the waters of this anicut, 147 paddy acres were cultivated but due to the present condition of the anicut, a major portion of the cultivable land was abandoned by the farmers. Due to the lack of water farmers can cultivate only 60 acres.

The Government, through the Agriculture Ministry has provided Rs. 370,000 for the renovation of the anicut in Pinnawala area in the Kegalle district. All facilities are provided for immediate renovation.

Agrarian Services Officer of Pinnawala, Anoma Kumari told the Daily News that the work on the project will be accelerated and adequate water to cultivate the total acreage of paddy will be released.