Fallow paddy land cultivation boosts productivity in Kalutara

Chaminda Perera reporting from Kalutara

The fallow paddy land cultivation program in the Kalutara district has made remarkable progress last year. This program has been attributed to the increased productivity in the district.

Of the total extent of 7600 acres of fallow lands, 3800 acres were brought under paddy cultivation.

All Divisional Secretariats in the district have succeeded in promoting paddy cultivation in their respective areas. Each DS division has identified several paddy lands which have been left uncultivated and a special program is under way to encourage farmers to engage in paddy cultivation.

The Government has assured all assistance to such farmers such as the fertilizer subsidy and free agri counselling services through the Agrarian Services Centres.

The Farmers started cultivating their paddy lands after the canal systems in the area were rehabilitated by the present Government which has kept unwavering faith in the enormous capabilities of Sri Lankans.

The fallow paddy land cultivation program which started from the Olabotuwa paddy field in the Bandaragama DS Division by Agriculture and Agrarian Services Development Minister Maithreepala Sirisena last year has brought enormous returns to the country.

The Kalutara district has over 1,102,000 people and 65% of them are living in rural areas. Paddy, tea and rubber cultivation are still the main sources of sustenance in the district. The farmers reaped the harvest of their cultivation this January after a lapse of two decades. The paddy lands were left uncultivated by these farmers after the canals were not properly maintained by the Governments in power.

The Governments that came into power after 1977, deviated from the Agri based economy and this kept the farmers away from the paddy feilds.