Compared to traditional farming methods, modern cultivation practices yield nearly double the produce. The Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, stated that greater attention should be paid next year to encouraging farmers to adopt such modern methods.
The monthly progress review meeting to assess the financial and physical progress of projects implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperative and Community Services, Animal Production and Health, Irrigation, Fisheries, Water Supply, and Environment – Northern Provincial, was held today, Thursday – 13 November 2025, at the Governor’s Secretariat.
The progress of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Animal Production and Health, and the Department of Irrigation was reviewed separately and in detail. The Governor paid particular attention to each project’s progress and the challenges encountered.
Special focus was given to the projects implemented through the Community Cooperative Responsibility Fund under the Ministry of Agriculture and to freshwater fisheries. The Governor also pointed out that both the restaurants operated by the Ministry of Agriculture and those run by local authorities are using the same name, “Ammachi.” He requested the Secretaries of both ministries to discuss this matter and take appropriate action.
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining accurate agricultural data collection, the Governor instructed that this should be ensured by next year.
While reviewing the development projects under the Department of Animal Production and Health, the Governor highlighted that, the mutton produced in Jaffna plays an important role in the tourism sector. He also requested that measures be taken to further promote this industry in the future.
During the discussion on the work plans implemented by the Department of Irrigation, it was noted that the progress of some projects was below expectations due to delays caused by certain contractors. The issue of contractors failing to submit bills even after project completion was also discussed.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Governor’s Secretary, the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Deputy Chief Secretary – Finance, the Deputy Director – Planning of Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary, Planning, the Provincial Director of the Buildings Department – Northern Province, the Provincial Directors of the Departments of Agriculture, Department of Irrigation, and Department of Animal Production & Health, District Directors, and the Coordinator representing the Jaffna District Coordinating Committee Chairman.
