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CTC Farmers to plant Maize with Tobacco
On a request made by the Government, the Ceylon Tobacco Company
(CTC) has agreed to cultivate maize as a sub-variety along with
its tobacco cultivation. Last week, the company informed the government
of the farmer’s interest and willingness to grow maize as a
sub-cultivation of tobacco.
At a briefing held recently, it was pointed out that the country
spends huge amounts of money to import maize, when it can easily
be cultivated within Sri Lanka in most parts of the country.
The Government requested all farmers, in particular the tobacco
farmers, to help grow maize along with their main crop, to help
the country become self sufficient in maize.
According to the CTC Leaf Manager Dr. Rukshan Gunatilaka the new
proposal of planting approximately 150 hectares of maize initially
by tobacco farmers was communicated to the Government.
CTC’s agreement to grow maize in its cultivating areas by 10,
000 farmers includes the Districts of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla,
Monaragala, Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Matale.
Dr. Gunatilaka emphasised that by growing maize along with tobacco
the company will not only help the country be self sufficient in
maize but will generate an estimated additional income of Rs. 7
million to the farmers.
It will also optimise the land usage and create an opportunity for
capacity building for CTC staff and farmers.
He further said, “This 150 hectares of maize will produce approximately
250 metric tons. Planting of Maize along with Tobacco will commence
from Maha 2007 (October -December) and continue into the Yala season
as well. CTC will guide the farmers on its sub-cultivation process
and provide them with recommended maize seeds and extension service.
Ceylon Tobacco’s extension staff will be trained by the Department
of Agriculture on technology recommendations and will be responsible
for passing this knowledge to its farmers.”
CTC is hopeful that this partnership with the Government and its
farmers will be an example for others to follow.
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