Hadabima to propel cultivation drive

Priyanka KURUGALA

The Sri Lanka Hadabima Authority will cultivate vegetables and other subsidiary crops in 1,000 acres in the North and Eastern Provinces with Army and Civil Security Forces' labour.

This will be launched to provide quality vegetables throughout the country, Hadabima Authority Chairman Nandasena Herath said. This massive program will be launched on the direction of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and on the guidance of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena.

The inaugural program of this project will be held under the patronage of Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena at the Mannai Weditalathiv Army Camp on February 26. A parallel program with an inaugural function will be launched at the Buoya Camp. The Hadabima Authority has planned to cultivate around 50 acres the first stage. Herath said that lands was available at Army Camps while labour can also be provided by the Army. "After eradicating terrorism, soldiers are free of their major duties. Their labour can be used to grow crops in the country," he said. The Sri Lanka Hadabima Authority has planned to provide seeds and organic manure.

These cultivations are grown under organic farming methods. Plans are to provide only organic manure. Herath said that one of the main objectives of this program is to build a healthy generation. Vegetable selling centres are also provided in relevant areas.

Vegetables will be distributed using crates throughout the country. The Chairman said the Sri Lanka Hadabima Authority expects to implement this to help provide job opportunities for residents in certain areas.