Minister Basil inspects Navanthurai sea cucumber cultivation project
Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa made an inspection
tour of the sea cucumber cultivation pilot project in Navanthurai
yesterday. The sea cucumber farming pilot project has been implemented
by the Project for Development Planning for the Rapid Promotion of
Reconstruction and Development in the Jaffna District to generate extra
income for the coastal people.
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Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa made an
inspection tour of the sea cucumber cultivation pilot
project in Navanthurai yesterday. Ambassador for Japan in
Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi, Minister of Traditional
Industries and Small Enterprise Development Douglas
Devananda, Minister of Coconut Development and Janatha
Estate Development Jagath Pushpakumara, Northern Province
Governor G A Chandrasiri accompanied the minister on his
tour. Picture by Chaminda Hittatiya |
Sea cucumbers fetch good market prices in the global market,
especially in China and Singapore. It is a valuable source of income for
coastal communities all over the world.
Sea cucumber is a staple diet across Asia, mainly in soups, stews and
stir-fries. They are highly nutritious and described as an ideal tonic
food as they provide more protein and less fat than most foods.
Today, sea cucumber is a multi-million dollar industry. In the United
States, the price of dried sea cucumber is pegged at between US $ 180
and US $ 250 per kilogram. The Philippines is home to 100 species of sea
cucumbers, of which 31 are commercially important.
Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka Kunio Takahashi, Minister of
Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Douglas
Devananda, Minister of Coconut Development and Janatha Estate
Development Jagath Pushpakumara, Northern Province Governor G A
Chandrasiri and JICA officials also participated.
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