CRI set up at Middeniya

Raja WAIDYASEKERA-Tissamaharama Special Corr.

A Coconut Research Institute (CRI) affiliated to the Lunuwila institute has been set up at Middeniya Farm, said Port and Civil Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa.

This farm had been earlier abandoned by the UNP regime, he said.

The Minister said so addressing a meeting at the Ambalantota agrarian services office recently.

The Minister said shortcomings will be remedied soon.

Employees will be provided with their requirements in disposing of their duties.

He said Rs 100 billion is spent for the import of essential consumer items.

The airport at Maththala will be operating in 2011 and by 2013 farmers will be able to export vegetables and fruits.

He said the requirement on maize is around 200,000 metric tons, about 60 percent is produced now.

Paddy is cultivated in 2,700 acres in the North and East. The Agrarian Development Assistant Commissioner R.W. Dissanayake was also present.