Boost for cashew cultivation in Kurunegala

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

Two hundred thousand cashew plants will be planted this year in 24 divisional secretary divisions of the Kurunegala district Under the Divineguma national development program. The program will be launched by the Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation. Ten thousand (quality R) seeds of cashew were distributed among farmers in the Kurunegala district. Cashew growers will be provided subsidies, know-how and agricultural implements free by the government.

Cashew cultivation will be expanded on a commercial scale as there is a big demand for cashew nuts from Middle East and Western countries. The government has allocated Rs. 50 million for the purpose. One hundred and fifty young boys and girls from the Kurunegala and Puttalam districts will be trained in cashew cultivation.