Over 56,700 domestic economic units in Badulla

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Over 56,700 domestic economic units have been established in 567 Grama Niladhari Divisions in the Badulla district under the Divi Naguma programme, Badulla District Secretariat's Deputy Planning Director M K Tiussion told the Daily News.

Measures have been taken by the Uva Province Agriculture and Ayurvedha Departments to identify the beneficiaries of fruit farming and medicinal herb farming, to encourage them while introducing new methods and techniques. The Economic Development Ministry had allocated funds for all these programmes.

In addition Provincial Animal Productions and Health Department had initiated special training programmes to benefit those involved in animal husbandry and poultry. Arrangements are in place to provide 10 chicks to each family. Training programmes conducted to develop the fisheries industry in Mahiyangana, Rideemaliya and Meegahathwula are accompleted. Training programmes for ornamental fish industrialists in every Divisional Secretariat are ongoing, said Tiussion.

The Economic Development Ministry has allocated Rs 6.5 million to expand the coconut cultivation in the Uva province and 101,009 coconut saplings are to be planted in identified domestic economic units. Also 6,240 coconut saplings will be distributed in Badulla and Ella Divisional Secretariats next week.

All other Divisional Secretariats will also receive coconut saplings after the dry season.

The Economic Development Ministry has allocated Rs 50 million to develop fruit, medicinal herbs and minor export crops industries and animal husbandry in the Uva province. A special monitoring system has been introduced by the Badulla District Planning Secretariat to achieve programme objectives.

According to the Mahinda Chinthana Maga Naguma programme, the Economic Development Ministry had allocated Rs 2,480 to carpet 248 km of provincial roads. Of that, 52 roads belong to the Uva province. The Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau (CECB) is monitoring this programme and all roads will be carpeted by the end of this year. Under the Jathika Saviya Gama Naguma development programme, the Economic Development Ministry will provide funds for rural schools and provide sanitation facilities.

All measures will be taken by the Badulla District Secretariat to develop nurseries in rural areas.