Divi Neguma exhibition in Jaffna showcases 1 million homestead project

Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa was chief guest at the ceremony on the final day of the Northern Province agricultural exhibition held at the District Agriculture Training Center, Thirunelveli, Jaffna, on 10th September 2011.

Northern Provincial Ministry of Agriculture had organized this exhibition under the theme of “Way Forward for Sustainable Eco-friendly Agriculture”.

Minister Basil Rajapaksa and guests visited stalls run by Northern region offices of various Government institutions such as Palmyrah Development Board, Coconut Development Board, Livestock Development Board, etc.

They also visited the stalls maintained by the  private sector institutions where equipments, machineries, tractors, water pumps, agricultural products, variety of fertilizers  had been kept for exhibition.

The exhibition was the part of the Divi Neguma national program to create and strengthen stable household economies island wide. The primary objective is to develop the family, to lead to the development of the village and thereby to develop the country. This program will support and strengthen livestock development, home gardening, self-employment, cottage industries and other economic oriented activities. It is envisaged to establish one million domestic economic units throughout the country. Minister Basil Rajapaksa, speaking on the occasion said that the objective of this program is to identify the needs of the people in various districts and to assist them to achieve the livelihood they desire and to thus strengthen the people economically and nutritiously; thereby re-establishing a self-reliant society in the country under the Gami Diriya national programme.

The exhibition was jointly organized by the Ministries of Economic Development, Traditional Industries, Research and Technology, Youth Affairs and Skills development, Industries and Commerce, State Resourced and Enterprise Development.

The minister further added that the Cottage Industry Exhibition will facilitate creating a favorable market, to receive financial assistance, suitable technical training and to develop skills.

 “These exhibitions will not only encourage individuals to indulge in Cottage Industries but also provide the platform for trading.” The minister said.