Traditional methods to be revived to increase paddy cultivation

by P.P.G. Sugathadasa, Thihagoda Gr. Cor.

Traditional methods of paddy cultivation are to be revived and the farmer community would be encouraged to grow more traditional high quality strains of paddy under the program, agriculture officials said.

Agriculture Ministry says that over 3000 acres of land in the island have already been brought under the plough through these methods.

Neither chemical fertiliser nor pesticides are used in these cultivation activities. Paddy cultivators are being made aware on the significance of using organic manure and compost in their cultivations.

Cultivation instructions, novel agriculture technology and all other facilities in this regard would be provided to farmers by the Agriculture Ministry.

It is targeted to bring about 100,000 acres of land in the country under paddy cultivation using traditional methods soon, agriculture authorities said.

Farmers would further be encouraged to grow more traditional strains of paddy using these methodologies by the Agriculture Ministry.

Agriculture Ministry Sources said that enhancement of the production of high quality varieties of rice in the country would be the aim of these endeavours.