Divineguma third stage launching:
Sharp increase expected in minor export crops
A sharp increase in the production of minor export crops is expected
with the launching of the Divineguma programme third stage in the near
future. Under this programme government hopes to assist people owning
plots of land in extent of half to two acres, to undertake under
cropping and other crop cultivations, said Economic Development Minister
Basil Rajapaksa.
Minister Basil Rajapaksa |
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the enterprise
development workshop themed “Kahavanu thuru - Mawai Isuru” organised by
the Minor Export Crop Promotion Ministry with the assistance of the Sri
Lanka Cashew Corporation, Sugar Cane Research Institute and Export
Agriculture Department in Colombo yesterday.
Minister Rajapaksa who emphasised the need to follow new strategies
to increase production said farmers should be encouraged and assisted to
undertake the cultivation of new crops since production should be
increased to facilitate exports. Minister Rajapaksa said cultivation of
minor export crops had been a popular vocation in the country from
ancient times and the government’s objective was to transform this form
of agriculture into a mega foreign exchange earner in future.
The minister said cultivation of minor export crops had been
undertaken through the domestic economic units promotion programme,
added that the entry of the private sector to the minor export crop
industry was a heartening and praiseworthy gesture.
The minister said cultivators of minor export crops will also be
entitled to the fertilizer subsidy as other farmers in the country.
Eight private and two government institutions importing fertilizer
are involved in the issuing of the fertilizer subsidy. The government
objective is to ensure a seven percent increase in minor export crop
production within the next two years.
Minor Export Crop Promotion Minister Reginald Cooray, Technology and
Research Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi, Industries and Commerce Deputy
Minister Jayaratne Herath and several others also spoke. An exhibition
based on minor export crops was also held to coincide with the workshop. |