Berendina provides turmeric seeds to 75 farmers in Kegalle

Berendina has allocated Rs. 85 million to support its clients and beneficiaries through initiatives in responding to the COVID-19 crisis, the micro finance NGO said on Wednesday. 
Under this initiative, 75 farmers in Galigamuwa and Bulathkohupitiya branches received turmeric seeds to start the cultivation. These 75 farmers will grow two acres in small plots by each farmer. Good quality seed material was not available in Kegalle. Therefore, Berendina through its branch office in Akkaraipattru found good quality seed material and transported to Kegalle taking approvals from health authorities and following all the health and safely protocols, it said. 
These farmers are micro finance clients of Berendina who were into cultivation activities. This programme is in line with state policy to increase domestic production substituting imports in order to increase income of local producers and to manage the balance of payment issues. 
The seeds distribution ceremony was held at the Berendina Galigamuwa branch office on May 14 with the participation of Susantha Herath – Divisional Secretary of Galigamuwa,  J. C. R. D. Jayaratne - Grama Niladari and at the Berendina Bulathkohupitiya branch Office on May 15  with the participation of Ms. J. M. Ramya Jayasundara - Divisional Secretary of Bulathkohupitiya, M. R. U. D. Senavirathne - Grama Niladari, Ms. J. M. N. Wathsala Jayawardena - Export Agriculture Officer, regional, branch managers and staff of Berendina. 

“Turmeric is a product that has demand always in the local and export market. The demand for turmeric was increased with the lockdown due to reduced imports from India,” the organisation said.