Divi Neguma boost for agriculture in H'tota

by Naalir Jamaldeen

The majority of people who lost their land due to development projects in Hambantota have been given alternative land while only a few are yet to receive land. They will be given lands in close proximity to the night shopping complex which is to be constructed opposite the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Convention Centre, Hambantota Assistant Government Agent Y.K. Shiromi Jeewamala said.

The agriculture sector is being developed successfully in the district under the Divi Neguma rural livelihood development program. Moves are under way to cultivate B-onion in the Hambantota district. Studies conducted in the area have revealed that there is a conducive environment for B-onion cultivation in the district.

If and when a shortage for B-onion arises in Dambulla, steps will be taken to supply this commodity from Hambantota, she said. She said 3,500 packets of various seeds, 3,094 mango plants, 3,000 pomegranate plants, 12,173 coconut plants and 7,173 drumstick plants were distributed under the Divi Neguma program.

The Government has taken steps to promote rubber cultivation in the district and 1,742 rubber plants were distributed among the farmers in the Hambantota Divisional Secretariat Division.

Assistance was given to 19 types of cottage industries under the program.

Jeewamala said that 44 beneficiaries were granted assistance under the livestock development category which comes under the Divi Neguma program.