Neglected paddy fields to be cultivated in Wet Zone

by L. S. A. Wedaarachchi

[email protected]
 

Sixty seven thousand four hundred and fifty acres of neglected paddy fields in the Wet Zone will be cultivated under the Api Vawamu-Rata Nagamu Agriculture Development project in 2007-2010.

Mavee, a traditional variety of paddy will also be popularised under this project, said Agriculture Development and Agrarian Services Minister, Maithripala Sirisena.

He said that these paddy fields had been neglected for the past five years. Three thousand acres neglected paddy fields in Colombo, Kalutara, Gampaha, Matara, Galle, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Kandy had already been cultivated in the ‘Yala’ season this year.

Around 5,200 farmers in 73 agrarian service areas participated in the cultivation activities. Seed paddy and pesticides were given free to them, he said.

Another 380 acres of neglected paddy fields in Udugampola, Senarathgoda, Waake, Dompe, Homagama, Kosgama, Padukka, Kahatuduwa, Kesbewa, Ehiliyagoda and Milleniya will be cultivated under the Mavee variety popularisation project during the next season.

The Minister said that a fund will be set up for the benefit of agrarian committees and farmer organisations shortly.