Task Force leads big-onion seeds

Priyanka Kurugala

The Agricultural Ministry will supply 40 percent of the national requirement of big onion seeds in 2011.

The Department expects to expand this to 100 percent by 2013, according to a report of the Seed Task Force of the Agriculture Ministry.

The Seed Task Force has drawn up a plan in several stages to reach this target. The first step is increasing seed production of local big onion. It is also planned to find suitable areas from Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Mahaweli areas to grow this crop to obtain seeds. The Department has planned to train officers and farmers under this program.

Distribution of good quality mother-bulbs and providing of facilities to keep them in airy conditions are also included in this program.

The Department also plans to encourage private sector involvement in this endeavour.