Divi Neguma third phase launch on April 5

Priyanka Kurugala

The third phase of the Divi Neguma programme will commence on April 5, ushering an agricultural revolution, Economic Development Ministry Additional Secretary R R A K Ranawaka said. Surveys will commence on March 1 in connection with the third phase, he said. “This will continue until March 31. Three officers, comprising Grama Seva Niladharis, Samurdhi animators, agriculture officers, agricultural consultants, tea and rubber inspectors or agrarian service provincial officers will visit every housing unit from March 1 to 31.

They will visit houses along with participants among the community,” he said. “Vegetable consumption has increased from 125g to around 175g a day per individual at an average due to the Divi Neguma programme. However, a developed country’s consumption of vegetables is about 330g per day. It is the same with fruits. Divi Neguma was able to increase that amount in several steps,” Ranawaka said.

“It is important to encourage the home garden concept to produce vegetables and fruits. On the other hand, this will reduce the use of chemical fertilizer, pesticide and weedicides. Excess produce can be sold and an extra income earned. The Divi Neguma programme creates food security,” he said.

Sectors such as agriculture, livestock, fisheries and small scale enterprises will receive attention to develop under the Divi Neguma programme.