The Hon. Governor of Northern province, N. Vethanayahan stated that action will be taken to rectify existing shortfalls at Theravil Agricultural Farm under Puthukudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariat Division, with necessary restructure and expand its agriculture activities.
Following the request submitted by the farmers regarding the damages to banana crops on the land allocated at a rate of 1 acre per farmer within Theravil Agricultural Farm, the governor made a site visit today (01.10.26) to Theravil Agriculture Farm to inspect the situation.
After handing over to Department of Agriculture following the release by the Army, Theravil Agriculture Farm was operated for agricultural purpose. In order to support this, last year, 40 acres of land was distributed to the farmers for banana cultivation. However, farmers stated that they were unable to obtain the expected yield due to the inadequate irrigation facility and elephant’s threat.
Specially, they pointed out the improper elephant fencing and inadequate water supply required for the cultivation. Elephants entered into the cultivating area, destroyed the fences to prevent them and damaged the banana crops in the bearing stage. Following that livestock entered into the agricultural land and destroyed the remaining crops, they added.
Farmers requested the Governor to ensure the safety by installing elephant fencing properly and to take action for supplying water for the cultivation, in order to carry out the agriculture activities successfully in future.
After hearing the issues of farmers in person, the Governor assured that measures will be taken to provide solutions for this. He instructed the relevant officials to carry out necessary arrangements, especially in the matter of installing proper elephant fencing and providing adequate irrigation facilities.
Considering the crop losses incurred already, the Governor suggested to explore the possibilities for short term cultivation that enable the farmers generate incomes.
Following the inspection of current condition of Theravil Agricultural Farm and hearing farmers’ issues in person, he stated that measures to revitalizing the agricultural activities in this area, by resolving each shortfall identified in the farm.
During this field visit of the Governor, Asst. Divisional Secretary of Puthukudiyiruppu Divisional Secretariat, Mrs. K. Densiya, Addl. Provincial Director of Agriculture of Northern Province T. Yogeswarn, Manager of the Agricultural Farm, Farm Owners and Farmers took part.
