Army helps civilians in gherkin cultivation

Sandasen MARASINGHE

The Security Forces Headquarters in Kilinochchi is preparing a 50-acre extent of land belonged to civilians for gherkin cultivation to uplift their living standards.

An officer of the Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi told the Daily News that the Army already cultivated 25 acres of land in Malayalampuram belonged to the newly resettled people and handed the land over to them.

He further said 10,000 kg of gherkin seeds were cultivated. The villagers were resettled in this village early this year. The cultivation is conducted parallel to the governments Api Wawamu Rata Nagamu programme.

The officer also stated that Army personnel under the instructions of Security Forces Headquarters Kilinochchi Commander Major General Nandana Udawatta prepared the lands for the villagers.

He added that the lands were cultivated with the support of the officers of the Agricultur Department. Almost all the villagers earn their living by cultivation.