Rubber Cultivation to be expanded to the Northern region.

Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe, Minister of  Plantation Industries announced that rubber can be successfully grown in the Northern region. Hon. Minister revealed this information at a Media Conference held at the Ministry of Plantation Industries on 29.11.2011.

On the instructions of the Hon. Minister, Rubber Research Institute has been conducting experimental trials in Vauvniya, Mullativ and Killinochchi districts since 2010 and has now concluded that rubber can be successfully grown in the Northern Province. Hon. Minister also said that the rubber cultivation, the most profitable crop at the moment was so far confined to one region of the country, has already been expanding to the East and by expanding this to the war affected Northern Province economic benefits are equally shared by the country.  Hon. Minister further stated that the Ministry of Plantation Industries would take necessary steps to work closely with government officials, farmers and other stakeholders in these areas in the cultivation of rubber in the Northern Province.  

Report on uncultivated lands was handed over to HE the President.

Hon. Mahinda Samarasinghe  , Minister of Plantation Industries handed over the report of the survey on uncultivated lands in estates managed by the Regional Plantation Companies to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksha on 30th August 2011 at a ceremony held at TempleTrees.

This report is based on an estate-wise physical survey carried out by the Ministry of Plantation Industries on the directive of HE the President in 372 estates located in 11 administrative districts.

According to the report, 15,178 hectares have been identified as cultivable but uncultivated lands.