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Tuesday, 17 October 2017 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage with the officials of his Ministry commenced the National Food Production Program Week, at Talawila in Puttalam, Kurunegala, and Anamaduwa in the North Western Province on Monday 9 October and the program is geared to create more job opportunities for those unemployed. The program also intends to help increase the family income.
Minister Gamage in his address opined that the successful implementation of the National Food Program would help the national income increase rapidly to the tune of billion of rupees within the next three years. He also said that Kalpitiya in the North Western Region would be turned into one out of the 15 vegetable export centres in the country.
The Minister touring the coastal belt area visited the Kandakuliya – Fisheries Villages and spoke with the members of the Fisheries Women Organisation. In his discussion with them, with regard to a number of issues that hinder progress of the projects the women have undertaken, he shared a piece of advice with them as to how they could improve the trade and oysters found in abundance in the area, in particular. The Minister told the members that his Ministry would provide equipment necessary which in money terms the assistance would be around Rs. 150,000 per person and ensure marketing facilities.
The Members told the visiting Minister Gamage the enormous problems they face due to the illegal fishing boats moving in the waters where they go fishing.
They also pointed out that the coral destruction has very big impact on the future of their fishing industry, as the coral play a very vital role in ensuring constant availability of fish in abundance. With the illegal boats entering the waters, where they go fishing, their daily income has come to very low level, they said. They pleaded with the Minister to look into the 53 illegal boats moving around within the area where they go fishing.
The religious service held at the St. Anne’s Shrine Thalawila to commence the activities of the day attended by Minister Daya Gamage, the North Western Province Provincial Council Agriculture Minister Sumal Tisera and other district leaders.
