Anuradhapura District is rapidly developing in agricultural under the “Api Vavamu-Rata Nagamu” programme, successfully implemented in the area.

In addition to paddy, the farmers have been encouraged to cultivate maize, chilies and fruit while facilities are being expanded to grow coconut and several other commercial crops.

North Central Chief Minister said that the record progress seen in the agricultural sector in 2008 and the farmers earned Rs.2, 500 million out of the bumper harvest, reported Daily News.

In 2009/2010 Maha season maize has been cultivated on 100,000 acres. Chilies are grown on 25,000 acres. 50 villages have been selected to grow guava, Ambarella (Spondias magnifera) pasion fruit, milk yam, ginger, banana and pomegranate on commercial basis. We have planned to convert every household garden in the province a model home garden thus making every family unit self-sufficient, the Chief Minister said.

The arable lands will be expanded by another 50,000 acres with the rehabilitation of 500 large-medium and micro scale tanks and anicuts implemented under the two projects, he added.