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Under Divi Neguma programme:
Plans to set up 1.5 m home gardens during Maha season
Plans have been formulated to set up 1.5 million home gardens under
the Divi Neguma programme during the forthcoming Maha Season, said
Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at a discussion held at
his ministry on Wednesday. The discussion centred around the
contribution made by the Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and
Industries sectors to the Divi Neguma national programme.
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Minister Basil Rajapaksa |
Already 1,312,000 home gardens have been set up in 13,110 Grama
Niladhari Divisions under the Divi Neguma programme it was revealed at
this conference.
During the first round of the Divi Neguma programme focus was
essentially on agriculture but priority is now being given to Livestock,
Fisheries and Industrial sectors.
The objective of this programme is to improve the nutritional
standards among the people by increasing consumption, the Minister said.
However those wishing to develop this project as a self-employment
avenue will be provided with necessary equipment and tools.
The minister added that under the first stage of the Livestock
programme 10 one months old chicks have been provided to each household.
The Livestock Ministry has agreed to provide 200,000 chicks to the
beneficiary families this year. A batch of 27 persons have been selected
as qualified persons to produce chicks. They will produce 27,000 chicks
per month at the rate of 1,000 each.
Projects costing Rs 130 million will be implemented through 14
sectors to promote the fisheries industry.
Plans are under-way to train 6000 persons under the Industries sector
for three years. Six Industrial exhibitions will be held this year for
this purpose.
The minister also agreed to provide Rs 7.5 million for the provision
of protective uniforms for people engaged in the kithul industry. Senior
Minister Athauda Seneviratne and Ministers Milroy Fernando, A.H.M.
Fowzie S.M. Chandrasena, Reginald Cooray, Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Dr.
Rajitha Senaratne and Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame also
attended the discussion. |
