The District Agriculture Committee, which examines the progress of the agro-industrial programs in Kegalle district, was held yesterday (04) at the District Secretariat Auditorium under the chairmanship of the District Governor/District Secretary Mr. Ranjana Jayasinghe.
Here, the crop production plan 2023/2024 and the 2024 Yala programs, the field inspection report on the damage caused by a reservoir being built on the top of Ambuluawa mountain, rubber, coconut, tea, animal and milk related products, aquaculture, and many agriculture-related sectors including prosperity programs was discussed.
It was announced here that they are planning to start a pilot project to popularize and sell palm oil by distributing 750 saplings. Green bean cultivation project in Daraniyagala Divisional Secretariat, 2023 under the selection of minor irrigation proposals, Galgamuwa Gamavel Yaya Canal Road, renovation of Bandara Canal, a number of issues were discussed here, including the reconstruction of the canal and the construction of the canal in Pinnapola Valley.
It was said that the distribution of chemicals has been expedited to combat the spread of ring leaf spot disease in rubber plantations. The officials were also informed about the program for the upcoming Jackpot Week, a weeding project related to the plantation.
New paddy varieties like BG 314, BG 375, BG 377, LG 376 have been introduced in the district and three months, three and a half month paddy varieties with high yield are some of them. Fertilizer vouchers have been issued to 17049 farmers who can get any fertilizer including Urea and Bandi fertilizer. It was also announced that the vouchers will be valid until December 31. It was also said here that permission to plant cultivable paddies has been suspended from March 28, leaving other cultivable or non-cultivable paddies.
It was further said that since the supply of fertilizers in the district is at an optimal level this year, a good harvest can be expected this spring season and the next season.
The District Environment and Land Use Committee also met together with this Agriculture Committee.
On this occasion, Additional District Secretary (Administration) Dinisha S. Rathnayake, Additional District Secretary (Lands) Gamalatge Dilip Nishantha, District Agriculture Director Manjula Pinnalanda, staff officers including District Agriculture Assistant Commissioner Kalana Jayanandana, Director of Central Environment Authority (Sabaragamu) S.M. A. Senanayaka, large number of officials from the agricultural, environment and land departments, representatives of farmers' associations were presented hear.
