Agriculture Department celebrates centenary

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Agriculture Department which completes 100 years this year has organized a number of programmes to mark the occasion. The Anniversary Celebration ceremony will be held in Gannoruwa on July 20 under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"The Agriculture Department was established on May 20, 1912.Since then, the ministry has done a great service for the betterment of farmers and consumers," said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane.

He said the country's agriculture sector has reached a high point. "We were succeeded in exporting rice and maize. We are self sufficient in rice and maize. The Agriculture Department and other institutions under the ministry play a significant role in the success achieved.

Agriculture Ministry Adviser E.M. Abeyratne said a five day exhibition will be held in Gannoruwa from June 20. The construction of an Agriculture Museum will commence to mark the anniversary. Books on agriculture will also be launched with the objective of enhancing agriculture knowledge.

"The agriculture technology park will be converted as an exhibition area. Evolution of the country's agriculture sector will be showcased at the exhibition. All food crops which were introduced by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and other improved varieties of these will be showcased at the exhibition," said Agriculture Assistant Director Dr. Rohan Wijekoon.