Monday 9 December 2019

Introduced how to prepare a nursery for seedlings broadcasting


Mrs. Samaraweera is discussing the nursery with farmers and the nursery is being prepared
The efficient way of preparing nursery for seedlings broadcasting was introduced to farmers in hotspot areas identified by Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). This method was practically demonstrated in Mahanikawewa and Ranorawa cascades in Anuradhapura District.

Seedlings broadcasting is a climate smart technology which is economically and environmentally friendly alternative option to seeding. This achieves what many are looking to accomplish: increase yields and quality, while decreasing costs, inputs and environmental impact. Prior to broadcasting, seedlings need to be raised in a nursery. In order to do this, pre-germinated seeds are sown on trays and seeds become seedlings there.
Main advantages of this nursery
1.     Saving water needed for cultivation as seeds become seedlings separately
2.    It provides favourable growth conditions
3.    Better care of younger plants as it is easy to look after nursery in a small area against pathogenic infections, pests and diseases and weeds.
4.    Nursery helps in making more efficient use of land
5.     It helps to improve crop uniformity in the field
6.    Nursery helps to reduce field management cost

Mrs. Gourie Samaraweera, Deputy Director of Agriculture, explained and demonstrated how to prepare a nursery for seedlings broadcasting. Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director, North Central Province, officials of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and CSIAP also present on the occasion.