Now, Army Agriculturalists Take to Carrot Cultivation

After the establishment of the Green Agriculture Steering Committee (GASC) by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army a few weeks ago in order to supplement and promote the island’s food security programme by cultivating more than 1500 acres of barren or abandoned state lands across the country, the Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock (CAL) has already started the cultivation of all types of crops in many parts of the island by continuing the cultivation war and is taking all necessary steps to develop these activities.

In line with the above programme, as per the guidelines given by Major General Shiran Abeysekera, Director General Financial Management (DGFM) of the Army and Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock, the 1st battalion of Sri Lanka Army Corps of Agriculture and Livestock started its Carrot cultivation in a land patch of 2.5 acres under the first stage at Dayagama on 02 September 2022.

Carrot is a winter season crop and if grown at 15°C to 20°C will develop a very good colour. Carrot crop needs deep loose loamy soil and pH should be ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for higher production. The total area taken over by the SLACAL is 25 acres and this will be increased in future. Director Agriculture and Livestock Brigadier Arosha Rajapaksha, Commanding Officer 1 SLACAL Lieutenant Colonel HVKW Abeywickrama, Major AM Amarathunga and other ranks of 1 SLACAL participated in the inaugural event.