Kithul jaggery industry to be developed in Kurunegala

M A R Manukulasooriya - Hiriyala group correspondent

Kitul jaggery industry will be developed in the Kurunegala district under the national programme to develop kitul products, by the Ceylon Industrial Development Board.

As a first step, seven D S Divisions have been selected for this. They are Alawwa, Pannala, Rideegama, Mawathagama, Nikaweratiya, Polpithigama and Mallawapitiya D S Divisions.

According to Industrial Development Board Assistant Director M D Ratnayake, there is a good demand for kitul jaggery in the market. “We have taken steps to train people on jaggery making, using modern methods. They will be provided with technical know-how, rain coats and other things needed free. A special identity card too will be issued to those who are engaged in kitul tapping,” he said.

Ratnayake said, we have also planned to set up kitul sapling nurseries in collaboration with the Forest Conservation Department to supply good quality saplings.”