North's neglected lands under plough next Maha

Stanley SENEVIRATNE- Kurunegala North group corr

Over 7,500 acres of paddy land in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts neglected during the past three decades will be cultivated during the Maha season, Deputy Agriculture Minister Jagath Pushpakumara said.

A team comprising Deputy Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, Ministry Secretary S.A. Karunatilake and Agrarian Services Director General Ravindra Hevavitharane visited Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts last week.

The Deputy Minister presented cheques to the value of over Rs. 21 million to the Government Agents to develop neglected paddy lands.

Deputy Minister Pushpakumara said there will be a bumper harvest of paddy, onions, chillies and vegetables from the next Maha season as the lands in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts are fertile.

Agricultural equipment and fertilizer will be supplied to farmer societies through the Agrarian Services Centre, he said.