Export agriculture promotion

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Export Agriculture Department will develop export agriculture crop cultivations in Moneragala district, a department official said.

Under this program 200 acres of pepper, 150 acres of cocoa, 100 acres of cinnamon and 30 acres of ginger will be cultivated.

More than 40,000 arecanut plants have also been distributed among small scale farmers in Moneragala, he said.

The plants such as cocoa, pepper, cinnamon are available at both private sector and divisional nurseries of the Export Agriculture Department.

The official also said the Department will also to introduce organic farming and provide guidance for farmers to change their cultivations to organic cultivations. The Department has identified less productivity lands and they will be promoted by using technological methods such as soil protection. The Government has allocated Rs 8 million for this program.