The Sour Banana Cultivation Project and the TEJC Mango Project which have been started in Jaffna under the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project of the Agriculture Ministry have become two very successful cultivation projects.
Presently, the sour banana project is running on 200 acres and the mango project is planted on 500 acres.
Sour banana and TEJC mango plantations in Jaffna are being operated with the aim of exporting them. At present, 10,000 Kgs of sour bananas are exported to the Dubai market once a week in conjunction with the Rajangana Sour Banana Project.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera visited Jaffna to check the progress of these two projects on Sunday (15). MP Angajan Ramanathan also joined the occasion.
Under the TEJC Mango Project, 500 acres of TEJC mangoes are grown in Elutumattuwal area of Chavakachcheri. Also, 200 acres of sour bananas have been cultivated in the Jaffna agricultural area. Also, sour banana processing centre has been established in Nilavarai area.
After observing these two projects, the Minister said: “Both these projects which have been started under the Agricultural Sector Moxernization Project are very successful. We have decided to expand these two projects. Especially under the high density cultivation method, we are introducing that cultivation method to get the maximum yield from the land area.
“Paddy cultivation in Jaffna does not yield a large harvest. Average yield is two metric tons per hectare. Farmers do not get proper income. Therefore, the technology needed by those who want to turn to other crops. We are ready to provide new cultivation methods, new technology, and all necessary facilities.
“Both these mango and sour banana projects have become two dollar-earning projects for the country. We have introduced the cultivation and processing of our agricultural products while maintaining the highest possible standards.
“Sour banana cultivation in Jaffna is being expanded to another 400 acres. Also, the amount of land cultivated under the TEJC mango project is sufficient. In the near future, a big mango harvest will come to our country. Therefore, the demand for these mangoes in the market should not be allowed to fall.
Therefore, mango plantations other than the currently proposed projects should not be encouraged. The Minister also mentioned that we are taking steps to encourage farmers for other exportable crops”.
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