‘Giant Mimosa’ invasion spreads anxiety

The ‘giant mimosa’ plant spreads fast across the Central Province

By Indika Aruna Kumara 

A major invasive plant, Giant Mimosa (Mimosa pigra) has been spreading dreadfully in the Kandy and the Matale Districts much to the anxiety of the environmentalists, farmers and the planters. 

Environmental organisations pointed out that the spread of this invasive plant causing extensive damage to the tanks and reservoirs and irrigation works providing irrigation facilities for agriculture drinking water, and freshwater fishery could  not be brought under control for want of an effective mechanism. 

The people depending on fresh water fishery and agriculture pointed out that the ecosystems of  Bowatenna reservoir, Amban river, Nalanda reservoir, Moragahakanda reservoir and arable land in  Naula and Matale areas have been invaded by the giant mimosa ruining the fertility of land. They added that this invasive plant is spreading unchecked to the other areas as well.

Representatives of Ambana-Naula Farmer Organisation, the main supplier of vegetables from the Matale District said giant mimosa has posed the most formidable challenge to agriculture in the district. 

Meanwhile an environmental organisation  ‘Dumbara Mituro’ expressing concern about the issue warned that the entire Central Province would face the threat of this invasive plant if an effective mechanism was not implemented to eradicate. 

The environmental organisation pointed out the need of a scientific method to eradicate the giant mimosa plant has been felt since long that the relevant authorities including environmental authorities, the Departments of Irrigation and Agriculture should pay attention on it.