Coconuts at cheaper prices during festive season

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has launched a special program to distribute over one million local coconuts at the rate of Rs. 30 each among consumers during the current Christmas and New Year festive seasons.

Speaking to Sunday Observer, Coconut Development and the Janata Estate Development Board, Minister Jagath Pushpakumara said a fleet of over 40 lorries with adequate employees have been deployed to collect coconuts from major coconut producing districts of Puttalam, Kurunegala and Kalutara.

He said during this period, CCB employees visit the State owned 11 coconut estates in all provinces and other private sector owned large, medium and small scale coconut plantations to purchase coconuts at the rate of Rs. 30 each without considering any profit margin.

He said the Government's objective is to stop this artificial coconut shortage and also protect consumers from unscrupulous traders who use this opportunity to earn large sum of money from consumers.

He said a Gazette notification was also issued on the banning of felling coconut trees and it is strictly monitored by officials.

The Minister also highlighted that over four million coconut saplings will be planted all over the country under a special program to be launched in January next year.

He said this coconut cultivation program will be carried out with the assistance of Samurdi beneficiaries, Ranaviru families and the members of Civil Defence committees.

The Minister also focused attention on the granting a fertilizer subsidy on coconut growers from next year.

A Senior Coconut Cultivation Board official, Gamini Ekanayaka said

coconuts could be purchased at Rs. 30 from their stores at Vauxhall Street and opposite Coconut Cultivation Board during the next few days.

He said six lorries have also been deployed at main places in

Colombo and other suburban areas to distribute coconuts at Rs. 30 each.

"Coconuts are also distributed through Co-operatives and Lak Sathosa branches at relatively cheaper prices," he said.