Moves to boost cinnamon cultivation

PPG Sugathadasa-Thihagoda group correspondent

The Export Agriculture Department has initiated measures to develop and expand cinnamon cultivation in the Southern region.

According to an officer attached to cinnamon research station at Palolpitiya, Thihagoda, KGG Wijesinghe, two high yielding varieties of cinnamon have been introduced among cinnamon cultivators in the Southern province.

"The two varieties are Sri Vijaya and Sri Gemunu. They are popular among farmers and are in demand," Wijesinghe said. In addition, modern methods of cultivation, addressing issues affecting the cinnamon cultivation, nursery control, modern scientific methods of growing and also production of novel and fresh varieties of plants are being introduced among growers through the cinnamon research station.