Over 75,000 coconut saplings to be planted in Jaffna

by Chanuka Mannapperuma

Nearly 75,000 coconut saplings will be planted in the liberated areas in Jaffna this year. This decision was taken recently at the plantation progress meeting presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Plantation Industries Minister D. M. Jayarathne said the decision was taken in a bid to increase the yield in coconut production in the country. They have found some nurseries which could be used for cultivation in Nuwara Eliya.

"There are good farmers in Jaffna. The Ministry is also planning to launch a farmers' education programme. Under this programme the Ministry is planning to cultivate 1,200 coconut saplings in the Ampara District, the Minister said.

The Minister said steps would be taken to cultivate TRI-98 Coconut saplings and palmayra trees at the Galle Face Green. The coconut saplings are of a very rare variety imported from India and Papua New Guinea.