Neglected paddy lands in North to be cultivated

by L.S. Ananda Wedaarachchi

Over seven-thousand-five-hundred acres of paddy lands in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts which had been neglected during the past three decades due to the battle against terrorism will be cultivated during the forthcoming Maha season, said Deputy Agriculture Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

A high level team comprising Deputy Agriculture Minister Jagath Pushpakumara, Agriculture Ministry Secretary S.A. Karunatileka and Agrarian Services Director General Ravindra Hevavitharana visited Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts last week. They met GAs of the districts, senior officials of the Agriculture, Irrigation and other relevant ministries and representatives of farmer organisations.

The Deputy Agriculture Minister presented cheques to the value of over Rs. 21 million to the GAs to develop the neglected paddy lands.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Pushpakumara said that there will be a bumper harvest of paddy, onions, chillies and vegetables from the next Maha season as the lands in Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna districts are fertile. The agricultural equipment and fertiliser will be supplied to farmer societies through the Agrarian Services Centres, he said.