'Horticulture has high business potential'

The skills development workshop in progress

The North Central Provincial (NCP) office of the Central Bank (CB) last week organised a skills development workshop for flower and horticulture farmers.

The Central Bank, NCP Provincial Manager, P.R.Ariyarathna Banda said that it was organised as a part of the program to increase provincial GDP, income of the farmer community and employment creation.

"The entire production is for the export market and horticulture has high business potential in the region as orchid, anthurium and other varieties can be successfully cultivated here," he said.

"We have already trained over 200 farmers in the field and have also linked them to exporters. This business will significantly contribute to the GDP and help the farmer community to come out of the crisis they face," Ariyarathna said.

CB, Assistant Governor, A. Kamalasiri, flower exporter Anoma Alahakoon, NCP, agriculture consultant, Sameera Madhusanka were also present.