Use only organic compost for corn cultivation, farmers told

Farmers should be guided to cultivate corn only by using organic compost, Siyabalanduwa Divisional Secretary Prageeth Kulathilaka said.

"The Siyabalanduwa Divisional Secretariat had been the most economically poorest in Sri Lanka in the recent past. Siyabalanduwa will be the most environmentally poorest division in the future, if we do not establish correct land use patterns," said Kulathilaka addressing a Land Care Lanka program organized by the Neo Synthesis Research Centre (NSRC).

"I did a survey in Siyabalanduwa about pesticide sale during the last six months. I found out that farmers' Rs 20 million had gone out of Siyabalanduwa to big companies. Grama Niladharis, Samurdhi Niladharis and Agriculture officers should guide farmers to cultivate corn only using organic compost. If not soil and water in Siyabalanduwa will be affected," Kulathilaka said.

Land Care Lanka and NSRC Director Kamal Melvani said frequent miscarriages are reported due to insecticide and pesticide being used in Siyabalanduwa.

"Water in Hadaoya and Vilaoya is becoming poisonous. River water is completely brown due to soil erosion, because of heavy usage of chemical fertilizer. As an environmental scientist I appeal to officials to act with responsibility to preserve land and water for the future generation," he said.