Papaya now grown on estates

The cultivation of papaya is now being undertaken on estates, replacing horticulture or home garden plots. In this way, the farmer who is an entrepreneur can meet the needs of the growing urban population and possibly, export markets.

This variety of papaya is known as Rathne, by the trade.

Miss Anuradha Amerasinghe, is one of 20 others of her age, who works on the fruit and vegetable farm in Bulathsinhala, in the Kalutara district. They are diploma holders of the Kundasale Agricultural School.

Anuradha said that this variety of papaya trees is grown from seed. Its first crop is plucked in six months, and when the tree is one year old, it is rooted out and replaced by another crop of young trees, planted nearby. This is because a papaya tree of this variety yields 10 kilos per month and after six months of bearing, the crop begins to decrease, making it uneconomical to have on a plantation.

This variety of papaya is sold wholesale at Rs. 40 per kilo to supermarkets. The Rathne variety is very resistant to disease.

Another variety of papaya grown on this estate is called Red Lady. It begins to bear in four months, and is replaced when the tree is eight months old. Red Lady is sold wholesale at Rs. 35 per kilo and is less resistant to disease.

Seeds of these varieties can be obtained from the Department of Agriculture, are expensive and carries a 100 percent germination rate.