Boost for floriculture under Gama Neguma
by Dhaneshi YATAWARA
The Department of Botanical Gardens has initiated a project to
upgrade the floriculture industry in the country as a part of the 'Divi
Neguma' program under the Economic Development Ministry. Director
General, Department of Botanical Gardens, Dr. Syril Wijesundara said the
inauguration will be on May 11 at the Department premises in Peradeniya.
"The supply of cut foliage of certain species is not meeting the
world market demand. We especially need more growers of Dracaena
sanderiana, which enjoys huge demand in the world market" Dr.
Wijesundara said. Different cane varieties, crotons and cane palms are
some of the plants having a high demand in the cut foliage market.
The new program, worth Rs. 100 million, is funded entirely by the
Government and would be implemented in several phases. The first round
will focus on Colombo, Kegalle and Gampaha districts. "Initially, we
selected 130 persons for the program. We plan to expand the training to
other districts as well and support more people interested in the trade"
he said.
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