Army launches turmeric cultivation project with State Support
November 07, 2020The Army’s Directorate of Agriculture and Livestock recently commenced the cultivation of turmeric in the Army Farm at Ambalangoda while considering the short supply of turmeric in Sri Lanka due to COVID-19 threat.
The project commenced in line with the President's 'Vistas of Prosperity' policy statement and the Army Commander's ‘Thuru Mithuru Nawaratak’ concept.
Turmeric is an indispensable spice of medicinal value, needed for the preparation of Asian meals. Sri Lanka annually imports more than 50,000 mt of turmeric spending much-needed foreign exchange.
The joint project in collaboration with the State Ministry of Export Promotions expects to plant 100,000 turmeric seedlings, worth about Rs. 4 million in the Kohilawagurawatta Army Farm in Ambalangoda, the Army said.
Hon Minister of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture, Dr Ramesh Pathirana, and Hon State Minister of Agriculture, Janaka Wakkumbura together with Director of Agriculture and Livestock, Maj. Gen. Indrajith Kandanaarachchi, inaugurated the project on Thursday (Nov 05) at Ambalangoda.
Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps troops saw initial soil and bed preparations began a month ago and they would take care of the seed turmeric cultivation project at Ambalangoda.
The second phase of the turmeric project is expected to commence in the Army Farm at Balalla and the third phase at Rambaken Oya Army farm.
The Army at present cultivates vegetables, rice, eggs, fruits, dairy products and cereals.
Further, it plans to cultivate chilies in 200 acres, coconut seedlings in 1000 acres, TJ mango in 500 acres and cashew in 2000 acres in the Silawathura.
Ministry officials, Officers, Other Ranks and several agrarian officials were present at the inauguration.
