Projects for Plantation Crops Dev in Eastern province

Kathmandu: The Government has launched several projects for Plantation Crops Development in the Eastern province parallel to other major projects. The development programmes were inaugurated based on the development of plantation sector productivity enhancement, increasing income through by-products and promoting the plantation enterprises and plantation products.

The Sugarcane Research Institute (SRI), Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation (SLCC) and the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) are involved in these projects. The Government is aiming to achieve a 50 per cent sufficiency in sugar-cane production by 2012 and anticipated contribution from the Eastern region is 7.5 per cent.

The Government with a view to promoting this sector has decided to employ 4,500 persons through Ampara Hingurana sugar-cane plantation and Kantale sugar-cane cultivation. Two seed cane nurseries were established in Trincomalee and Ampara in 2007.

Several rehabilitation programmes have been launched by the government in Ampara and Trincomalee districts. The Management of the Hingurana Sugar Industries was handed over to an investor comprising the Government, Browns and LOLC in 2007.

Meanwhile 400 metric tons improved seed canes was distributed to Galoya Plantation during The Maha Season 2007 while providing technical assistance to construct a hot water treatment plant.

The development of the handicraft sector is also most important as it is also an income earning source of the Eastern community.

Moves are under-way to establish seven handicraft training centres in Ampara district at a cost of Rs. 2.8 million, six training centres costing Rs. 2.4 million in Batticaloa district while establishing 12 training centres at a cost of Rs. 06 million in Trincomalee district.

The Palmyrah plantation sector too will be developed in the province in Koralaipattu North, Koralaipattu, Koralaipattu South, Eravurpattu, Eravur Town, Manmunai North, Manmunai West, Manmunaipattu, Manmunai South and Eruwilpattu in Batticaloa District while developing Thambalagamuwa, Kinniya, Kuchchaveli and Morawewa cultivations at a cost of Rs. 40,000. Meanwhile moves are under-way to establish a Sales Centre at a cost of Rs.0.5 million and another sales centre for Trincomalee district at a cost of Rs. 0.5 million.

Under the estate rehabilitation programme the Marnkeni cashew plantation will be developed with the participation of Prison Department. Rupees 1.78 million was allocated in 2007 for the supply of seeds for 1,200 acres.

Rupees three million is required to carry out plantation activities at the Hardy Plantation and Rs. 7.5 Million for the Thiriyaya Estate.