Northern agricultural revival

The North and the East made a very significant contribution to the country's agricultural output before the conflict escalated in 1983. In fact, areas such as Mannar were known as 'rice bowls'. The resourceful farmers in the two areas continued to cultivate paddy and other crops even during the height of the conflict, but they had little or no access to the markets in the South. However, paddy cultivation in certain areas of the North and the East was totally neglected.

Now that resettlement and lasting peace are on the horizon, the North and the East are poised to enter the agricultural picture in a big way.

Agricultural development is a pivotal component of the Uthuru Vasanthaya (Northern Spring) and Negenahira Navodaya (Eastern Resurgence) programs helmed by Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa MP.

In line with this goal, the Government on Thursday inaugurated a massive cultivation project in Jaffna peninsula on 1,124 acres of paddy land. These paddy lands in Thananthilappu and Marawankkulav south of Chavakachchari were left abandoned due to LTTE terrorist activities for over 10 years.

The re-cultivation project will directly benefit 624 farmer families and will provide many indirect employment opportunities as well. More lands have already been earmarked for cultivation next year. The Government will grant a cultivation subsidy of Rs. 4,000 per acre and in addition provide fertilizer and seed paddy free of charge to encourage the farmers. They should also be provided with modern equipment at concessionary rates.

Starting agricultural activities in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu, which were dominated by the LTTE for several years, will take some more time as the Government has to meet the twin challenges of mine removal and resettlement. Once resettlement is under way, the farmers will again be able to take up the cultivation of paddy and other crops.

The opening of the A9 and several other roads for commercial traffic and hence, the availability of the Southern market, will immensely benefit the farmers. A proper mechanism must be evolved to purchase their paddy sans middlemen, as there have been many problems in this regard in the rest of the country.

A bigger agricultural output from the North and the East will also help reduce imports of agricultural products and save foreign exchange. Sri Lanka would certainly regain its earlier reputation as the Granary of the East if the North and the East also add their output to the record harvests we have seen in recent years.

Green Circles

More Sri Lankans are now realizing the importance of protecting the environment. 'Green awareness' is at a fairly high level in the country, thanks to constant media exposure on this vital issue. But it is also important for the authorities to take frequent action to protect the environment.

The latest initiative in this regard is the Rs.150 million 'Green Circle' (Haritha Kawaya) project whereby steps are being taken to create environmental oases at the eco-diversity Park near the Diyawanna Oya, the Bird sanctuary in Attidiya and several other areas under the supervision of the Urban Development Authority and the Environment and Natural Resources Ministry. Several well-known roads will also be cleaned up and beautified under this scheme.

This is a timely move, as people literally need some breathing space in the concrete jungle. Such 'Green Lungs' allow residents and visitors to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature.

Another aspect of this project is wetland conservation. Many wetlands, which are biodiversity hotspots, are being threatened by garbage and illegal reclamation and constructions. The demarcation of these zones as eco-friendly Green Circles will hopefully see an end to such activities.

One problem that has affected almost all of our cities is that they are unplanned. Green areas are lacking in these cities as buildings have been constructed in every available land. Even Manhattan in New York, perhaps the world's busiest city, has the famous Central Park where residents can unwind.

The city planners there had the sense to demarcate a special area as a green zone. On the other hand, it is not very easy to 'retro-fit' green areas into built-up cities, given the logistical and financial challenges.

But it should done at least to a limited extent. This factor should be borne in mind in Northern rehabilitation and reconstruction, where planners have an opportunity to 'build back better'.

It is also opportune to explore the possibility of implementing such initiatives as a car free day, pedestrian-only zones in major cities and 'green rewards' for individuals, companies and Local Government bodies who show an exemplary commitment to environmental conservation. Indeed, environmental conservation is a collective responsibility of the society.

Even a seemingly minor action such as carrying a re-usable bag for shopping instead of non-biodegradable polythene bags can have a positive impact on the environment. There could be a few inconveniences, but the rewards are many.