Supplementary crops development accelerated - Dharmadasa Banda

The Ministry of Supplementary Crops Plantation Development looks forward to alleviate poverty and contribute to build up the village through the projects of sugarcane, cashew nut and palmyra plantation which grow well in the dry zone in the country.

‘Except rice, all the other plantations can be regarded as supplementary plantations’, said Minister R.M. Dharmadasa Banda.

He said sugar is very essential for everyone and the annual consumption of sugar in our country is mt.638,000. Though there are 4 sugar industries national product of sugar is 55,000 ton per year, he said, that he was not satisfied and had taken measures to increasing it.He further said, ‘When I assumed duties as the Minister of Supplementary Crops Plantation Development, Kanthale and Higurana sugar industries were closed and Pelawatte and Sevanagala were to be closed, I discussed the matter with the President to uplift the sugar industry and to meet the country’s sugar demand and five new industries have been planned already, he said.

Sugarcane plantation project was formed to increased the sugar product as well as sub products such as ethanol which can be mixed with petrol and reduce the cost of fuel for vehicles, electricity, fertilizer or paper. around 15000 of job opportunities can be formed related to this field. He predicted by 2015, 50% of sugar will be produced for the country.

Sri Lankan cashew is famous all over the world for its special taste and quality production, says the Minister. Annual production of cashew in Sri Lanka is nearly 9000 ton per year, 20000 acre is allocated for cashew plantation to get the maximum use of by forming ‘Private public partnership’ concept.