Compost manure cheaper than Chemical fertiliser

P.P.G. Sugathadasa -Thihagoda group cor.

The Compost Project launched by the Thihagoda Pradeshiya Sabha is in progress at Maharawalauwatta off the Thihagoda town. According to Thihagoda Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Nirmal Samarasinhe garbage, waste and solid waste are collected in Thihagoda and Yatiyana main towns, Polatugoda and Nadugala sub towns and villages in Divisional Secretariat Division of Thihagoda are collected and brought to this centre and recycled them into organic manure.

The Thihagoda DS Division is predominantly an agricultural area. Paddy and home garden cultivations are the mainstay of the rural economy. As compost manure is cheaper than chemical fertiliser farmers and home garden cultivators prefer using organic manure to chemical fertiliser, they said.

According to environmentalists this compost manufacture project has also been a great boon for the conservation and preservation of the natural surroundings in the locality. Several direct and indirect employment opportunities have been created through the project, Thihagoda Pradeshiya Sabha Chairman Nirmal Samarasinhe said. The manufacture of quality compost manure, selling them to farmers at more concessionary rates for promoting their cultivations would be prime objectives of this project, he said.