Coconut saplings to be planted on grand scale
by Ananda KANNANGARA
Four million coconut saplings will be planted throughout the country
by the Coconut Development Ministry from February 1 with the assistance
of Local Government authorities, Gramaseva Niladharis, Samurdi
beneficiaries, Ranaviru families and members of Civil Defence
Committees.
Initially, all Local Government authorities and Divisional
Secretaries need to identify large, medium and small scale lands which
could be used to plant coconut saplings.
Coconut Development and Janata Estate Development Board (CDJEDB)
Minister Jagath Pushpakumara told the Sunday Observer that his Ministry
will take measures to distribute the saplings after a careful study on
uncultivated coconut lands and bare lands.
Encouraging people, especially the younger generation on the
importance of replanting coconut trees would also help ease the coconut
shortage.
The Government has already banned the felling of coconut trees and
clearing of coconut lands for commercial purposes.
The Minister said many people in the country do not take any interest
to plant coconut trees even in their own home gardens.
Over 10,000 acres of coconut lands in Kurunegala, Pannala and Negombo
areas had been sold for commercial purposes during the past two years.
He said the Local Government authorities and Gramaseva Niladharis
should keep a close tab on partitioned coconut lands and neglected
coconut lands in their areas.
The Minister said that steps have already been taken to grant a
fertiliser subsidy for large, medium and small scale growers.
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