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| Sunday, 1 September 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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The nation's tree spreads its branches... ANCL's National Jak Development Project (NJDP) has had a positive and a significant response from a wide segment of growers from all parts of the country. Many have written in commenting on various aspects of jak, its history and other significant developments of this wonderfruit. While all comments are greatly appreciated, we present some of the news sent in from various parts of the country that will be of interest to you.... Support of clergy for NJDP
It is not only the laymen, but priests and monks also have come forward extending their support for the NJDP. At the Bellana Sri Dharmapala Pirivena, the incumbents and devotees planted 100 jak saplings in memory of Aggamaha Panditha Balangoda Ananda Maithriya Thera recently. Speaking at the event, chief incumbent of Sri Dharmapala Pirivena and the Chief Sanghanayake of the Western Province, Malewana Punnaratne Thera said that if the people who shout out about a drought in 2003 care to plant at least one jak tree on a day of significance, such as the birthday of one's own or family members that the problem could be overcome. If those people who spend thousands of rupees at different occasions plant one jak tree on such an occasion it would be a more worthy act, he added. A sapling devoid of pigmentation No doubt jak is a wonderfruit. And here again it has produced another wonder at the nursery of Dr. Mrs. B. M. A. Wijesundera of Kiwulegama, Narammala. She has already produced 1,000 jak saplings at her nursery out of various kinds of jak-fruit grown in her own garden and is willing to donate 1000 plants for the NJDP project. One of the wonders of nature, which could be seen at her nursery is the jak sapling devoid of any pigmentation. The plant has an off white bark as well as leaves. The villagers flock to see the plant as they treat it as a mystery. However, this plant does not show any difference in growth compared with other plants, except its colour, said Mrs. Wijesundera. It looks as healthy as the rest and has a similar height of about 1 1/2 feet. No chemical fertilizer or pesticide is used in this nursery. Mrs. Wijesundera uses only organic fertilizer to grow these plants. Mrs. Wijesundera who is also active in her own way in environmental conservation, is instrumental in propagating medicinal plants. She keeps records of the medicinal value plants she uses to treat various ailments. Nursery competition Many a community based organisation has encouraged NJDP with various projects to coincide with NJDP's project of planting 100,000 jak saplings throughout the country. 'Parisarika Mithuru Havula' (PMH) of Matale is one such organisation. PMH has organised a competition amongst nurseries, for producing jak saplings. Supported by various government and non-government organisations of the district, as well as the private sector, "The aim of our project is to plant 100,000 jak saplings within the Matale district itself", said the organisers. Nearly 200 nurseries have entered the competition already explained the organisers. Regular inspections and monitoring will make the entrants eligible for a monthly award and an overall award at the end of the competition period. next planting season... The next planting season begins this month. Jak-fruit saplings about 2 1/2 - 4 months old are sought from the public. Individuals and organisations interested in supplying Jak-fruit saplings are requested to contact the Secretary, NJDP, Sarath Amarakoon, Chief Administrative Officer ANCL - 429201 or Coordinating Secretary NJDP, Nihal Abeysinghe - 429268 or write to National Jak Development Project, C/o Silumina, Lake House, Colombo 10. This project is sponsored by Sevana Lotteries Division of Sri Lanka Lotteries Board. More information on NJDP could be obtained from the website http://www.geocites.com/heraliyainasia/index.html Recipes: Jak-fruit rice (Kosbath)
Mature jak segments - 25 Ginger, bayleaf, curry leaves, cloves, cinnamon, salt & pepper for seasoning Water - 8 cups Method: Clean the jak segments removing the seeds without breaking the segments. Wash and drain the rice. Fill the jak segments with rice. Grind garlic, ginger, curry leaves, cloves and cinnamon into a paste and mix with the segments. Place segments carefully in a vessel. Heat oil and fry the red onions, green chillies, maldive fish, and chillie powder and pour this mixture over the jak segments. Add sufficient water, salt and pepper for seasoning. Simmer and cook until tender. Jak-fruit milk rice Ingredients: Mature jak segments - 40 (deseeded & cut into small pieces) Method: Wash and boil the rice. When properly boiled, add thinly cut pieces of jak segments, and boil in low heat. Add coconut milk and salt. Cook until tender. Serve on a large dish. This is a delicious meal. |
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