First Durian Model Cultivation Zone in Sri Lanka commenced in four villages including Hadugala in Walasmulla

Under the full contribution of the Sri Lanka Hadabima Authority, Sri Lanka’s first Durian Cultivation Model Zone was established focusing on four villages including Hadugala, Egodabadda, Dehigahahena and Warapitiya in Walasmulla area.

Durian is considered as the King of the fruits according to the recognition of South East Asians. Durian is considered to be the most demanded fruit in the world due to its high nutritional value.

The activities of the first Durian Model Cultivation Zone in Walassmulla were started recently (19) in the afternoon under the patronage of the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera.

Steps were taken to distribute 2500 durian saplings among the farmers under the first phase of the durian model cultivation zone, which is being started with the aim of export. Under the whole project, it is planned to cultivate 20,000 durian saplings in these four villages.

Arrangements have been made to cultivate two species of hybrid durian named Ambathenna and Kasun latest two varieties. These two varieties are high yielding varieties and produce fruits in a short period. Both of these durian varieties do not grow as large as other traditional durian trees and grow to heights of 08 to 12 feet, but are two of the most productive varieties. Due to this, it is possible to cultivate even in ordinary land.

The Ambathenna and Kasun durian varieties are two latest varieties introduced by the Department of Agriculture.

Mr. Isuru Dhananjaya, Chairman of Hadabima Authority, and a group of others participated in the distribution of saplings, which was presided over by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera.

The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, who expressed his opinion, mentioned that durian has become one of the most demanded fruits in the world and that Thailand alone earns an income of about 08 billion dollars annually through the export of durian.

The minister also emphasized that durian grows very well in our country, but so far this cultivation has not been promoted as an export crop.

However, the private sector is currently showing great interest in durian cultivation and the government has provided them the lands they need for this cultivation. The minister also mentioned that since some individuals and companies have started cultivating durian on large plots of 10-15 acres each with the aim of export, the country will get a large amount of foreign exchange through the export of durian in the future.