Traditional varieties of paddy for NWP

A Keerthisinghe-Alawwa Special Correspondent

"The Agrarian Services Department will cultivate traditional and indigenous paddy varieties in the North Western Province including Maa Wee, Rathdel, Kurulutuda and Diga Henati," Wayamba Agriculture, Senior Irrigation and Agrarian Development Minister D B Herath said, during an awareness programme at Alawwa Town Hall. These will be cultivated in Rideegama, Ibbagamuwa, Boyawalana, Alawwa, Dambadeniya and Pannala areas in Kurunegala district.

"Over 200 acres will be cultivated in the district," he said. These paddy varieties have resistance to rain, floods, pests and diseases from insects. Organic manure, paddy husks and charcoal will be used for cultivation.