18 December 2023 01:28 pm Views - 4923
He has recorded the highest yield and income of chillies ever obtained from half an acre, the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry said.
Under the Agriculture Sector Modernization Project, he has started chilli cultivation on half an acre in the Puliyankulama area using the new technology of chilli cultivation, the Ministry said.
“In particular, MICH 1 and 2, which are the local chilli varieties that give the highest yield in our country, have been selected for this cultivation. Within nine months of starting this chilli cultivation, he has earned an income of Rs. 10 million and this was informed to the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera yesterday.
The Agriculture Sector Modernization Project has introduced a high density cultivation method and new agricultural technology for chilli cultivation. According to the traditional chilli cultivation method, only 6,000 chilli plants can be planted on half an acre, but under the high density cultivation method, 13,000 plants can be planted. Accordingly, it is acceptable to increase the yield several times.
Also, by covering the beds with polythene and using water under the drip irrigation system, there is no wastage of water and no additional money has to be spent on weed control. Half an acre of chilli cultivation at a time requires a minimum amount of chemical fertilizers. Also, because pesticides are not used to control pests, the quality of the chilli also increases.
Previously, two farmers who had obtained the highest yield and income from chilli cultivation in our country were reported from the Thirappane and Jaffna areas. They earned Rs. 05 million and Rs. 60 million.
Bandula of Puliyankulama has earned an income of more than Rs. 10 million by yesterday (17) and he has the ability to earn at least Rs. 13 million, according to the current market prices for chillies.