A rubber cultivation promotion project has been implemented in the Anuradhapura district with the assistance of the Kegalle Rubber Development Divisional Office of the Rubber Development Department.
On the instructions of Anuradhapura District Secretary Janaka Jayasundara, the project has been implemented by the Anuradhapura District Agriculture Committee in Collaboration with Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka.
The preliminary tests have confirmed that as a whole, the fertility level required for rubber cultivation in Anuradhapura district is suitable for growing rubber as a commercial crop.
It is learnt that the Government has targeted to earn a minimum US$ 4.4 billion through rubber exports by 2024/2025 period.
Anuradhapura District Secretary Jayasundara said that it is reported that when compared to other crops such as paddy and vegetables including additional crops varieties on which Anuradhapura district farmers mainly depending for living, the fertiliser and chemicals use in rubber per land area is very low and adverse impact on water sources are very minimal.
The Anuradhapura District Agriculture Committee said that at present the annual rubber production in the country is 75,000 metric tons whereas for fulfilling the country’s requirements minimum 200,000 metric tons production has to be realised.
On the instructions of Anuradhapura District Secretary who is also the head of the District Agriculture Committee, 22 Divisional Secretaries are now engaged in encouraging the farmers to take to rubber cultivation on a trial basis.
As a result already a number of farmers in Horowpothana, Thalawa, Nachchaduwa, Nuwaragam Palatha Central, Nochchiyagama, Ipalogama, Kahatagasdigiliya and Galenbindunuwewa Divisional Secretariat divisions are engaged in growing rubber under the supervision of Kegalle Divisional Rubber Development authorities in 50 hectares.
Meanwhile, under the export Village Concept in Anuradhapura Mahaweli “H” Zone farmers are guided to grow rubber and cinnamon on pilot basis. It is reported that in Mahaweli “H” area around 10 acres have been cultivated with rubber and the extent is being expanded.
At present, we are exploring ways and means for deviating from the paddy only concept by shifting to the cultivation of export crops like rubber, cinnamon and pepper for enhancing the livelihood and empowerment of the Anuradhapura district farmer community.
“We have now planned to grow pepper in 40 hectares as an initial step in Ipologama, Rambewa, Galenbindunuwewa, Rajangane and Wilachchciya Divisional Secretariat divisions.
In addition, the Export Crops Department’s in the Anuradhapura district office has planned to grow cinnamon in 30 hectares in the above Divisional Secretariat Divisions.
The farmers taking to such cultivations are provided with planting materials, seeds and extension services free of charge,” the District Secretary said.
