Mangoes a valuable cash crop -CM

by S. M. Jiffrey ABDEEN Kandy South Group Corr.

Growing mangoes is not only a food crop but also a cash crop which will bring in a lot money as there is a good demand for quality mangoes which are not only consumed but also used in making various other products like jams, cordials, ice cream etc., said the Chief Minister (CM) of the Central Province Sarath Ekanayake.

He made these observations when he addressed the residents of Asomodagama in the Uda-Dumbara electorate after distributing 2,500 mango plants at a ceremony held at the Kolonaya village.

CM Ekanayake said that the plants distributed were grafted ones which should yield fruits within a short period bringing quick benefits to the growers. They could plant these plants in the space available in their home gardens or in their lands on a commercial basis. But during the initial stages they should nurture carefully. They should water them regularly as it is necessary and also give applications of fertiliser in keeping with the requirements of the times. They should not neglect these plants as they would wither and die or will not be healthy and the yield will be poor.