Permission granted for Kithul tapping in wildlife forest conservation areas

22 November 2023 12:35 pm - 6 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - Considering the high demand for quality Kithul treacle and jaggery, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera requested the Wildlife and Forestry Directors General to grant permission to those engaged in the Kitul tapping industry to tap trees in the wildlife and forest conservation areas.

Accordingly, the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Department has agreed to grant permission for Kithul tapping in these areas.

As there is a high demand for Kithul-related products in the international market, steps must be implemented to confirm the quality of the Kithul products.

The preparation of these rules and regulations have been completed, and the Kithul Development Board has taken steps to publish them soon.

The total number of Kithul trees in the country is three million, but only 20% is being tapped with the remaining 80% left untapped.

Due to the addition of sugar to certain products, the Agriculture Ministry has decided to introduce a series of new rules and regulations to ensure the quality of Kithul treacle and jaggery.

A situation has reportedly arisen where manufacturers are unable to sell their Kitul products due to the low quality of Kithul treacle and related products sold in the country.

Minister Amaraweera also said that the President, as the Finance Minister, has taken steps to provide more funds for the development of the Kithul industry in Sri Lanka in 2024 than in 2023.

In 2023, Rs. 2 million was allocated to the Kithul industry, but Rs. 24 million has been allocated for 2024.

Comments - 6

Lanks Wednesday, 22 November 2023 12:46 PM

This is one of great initiatives to take our local product to the international markets .How many food items we have like this and yet we failed to take them into international markets .our agricultural experts must me more creative and innovative how to convert our local food ( fruits and veg)into new food products...slowly we are doing this but what is important is taste and healthy side of it . We must produce organic as much as possible for international markets This is one of the best way to capture the market

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 22 November 2023 01:32 PM

Doesn't this minister have basic brains? Tapping what is available inside the forest is intrusion by human beings into protected wild life sanctuaries whereas the planting of Kitul trees need is the need of the hour. Further, nefarious activities such as hunting and killing of animals is bound to happen.

Ram Wednesday, 22 November 2023 01:39 PM

The local Divisional Secretary must grant permits after charging a reasonable fee or after calling for tenders, give marked Kitul trees to the respective applicants. Local MPs must not be involved in this providing letters

Rosie Wednesday, 22 November 2023 01:58 PM

Nice ane , let's this will end ...

Mahila Wednesday, 22 November 2023 03:42 PM

I have personal experience - negatives attributable, acceding this request, as Timber Corporation Past employee!!! Mahinda "Unanse", too is privy to detrimental factors!!? First and foremost, obtain Feasibility report, ascertain, "How many Gallons/Litres extraction, revenue thereof!!?? Ill-effects are multitude. Enormous!!?? "Remember, this “FIRST strike” only!!?? Then follows SHACK (4 X ‘Upright Sticks, Thatched Roof’) or two, three for shelter from the Sun and Rain ENROUTE!?? Follows,, bigger shack – Tea, ‘ORANGEN BARLEY’ Kiosks TOO!!?? Then, “SOMEONE TO WATCH-OVER” ‘gear and NONE pilfers STOCK – “PRODUCE BEING MANUFACTURED” – TODDY from Pots, AFTER nightfall!!? “Last Rights” to Reserve is initiated under GUISE of PROVIDING Conveniences; facilitate EASING “Natures Call” and Ablutions!!! AGREE, we aren’t “TOILET NADU”, so naturally that REQUEST TOO Granted!!!??? INFILTRATION achieved 100%!!!??? Then ABUSE OF THE FOREST RESERVE has just been SUCCESSFULY COMPLETED!?

N.M. Perera Wednesday, 22 November 2023 04:12 PM

Minister has no power. Environmentalists must seek Legal Action for violation of FFPO.

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Permission granted for Kithul tapping in wildlife forest conservation areas

Comments - 6

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