Security forces to secure chilli production

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA and Disna MUDALIGE

The Agriculture Ministry will enhance chilli production with the support of the security forces, said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane.

"The Security forces have basic requirements, such as, land, money and labour for the cultivation. They expect technical assistance from the ministry," said the minister.

He said that the country's total annual requirement of chilli is 40,000 metric tons. chilli is cultivated in15,000 hectares which produces 13,000 metric tons per year. The department will increase it up to 18,000 mts within two years.

Green chilli consumption is high in Sri Lanka compared to other countries in the region. Many farmers refuse to produce dried chiles due to high production cost. About 5.5 kilograms of green chilli is required to produce one kilogram of dried chilli, the minister said.