Rubber planting project in Moneragala

A rubber planting project of 40,000 hectares in Moneragala District has been initiated by the Ministry of Plantation Industries. This project is implemented under the smallholder Plantations Entrepreneurship Development Program. D. M. Jayaratne, Minister of Plantation Industries paid a field visit in Moneragala District for the supervision of the project.

During the visit, a number of rubber nurseries were observed by him. Having visited the government rubber nursery of Kumbukkana, Monaragala and the private rubber nursery of Wellassa, the Minister stated that the Monaragala District should be converted as a centre for production of high quality latex.

Under the Mahinda Chinthana Development Policy, this new rubber planting project will be implemented up to 2016. Under the relevant program rubber planting was carried out in 1500 hectares last year. New rubber planting activities swill be carried out in 2,500 hectares in this year as well.

D. M. Jayaratne further said that the all required infrastructure should be improved for the expansion of rubber cultivation in the area.He further added that the modern technology and the research facilities for grafting plants should also be improved.

Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Industries, Indrani Sugathadasa, Additional Secretary, Wimal Jayawardena, Director General of Rubber Development Department, Wimal Rubasinghe and some other officials participated in the visit.Subsequent to the above field visit, an awareness program was conducted for rubber growers at the community hall of Monaragala.

The attention was focused widely on the issues faced by the rubber growers and the Minister advised the officials to take immediate action in respect of the acquisition of lands for rubber cultivation activities.

Planting subsidies were also granted for rubber growers on the occasion.