Disease affects over 300,000 coconut trees in Matara District

Nearly 300,000 coconut trees in the Matara district have been cut down due to a disease, Matara Coconut Cultivation Board sources said.

Owners of these coconut trees have been compensated Rs. 3,000 per a tree. The disease is fairly under control now, the sources said.

The disease has hit the coconut trees in Matara, Weligama, Devinuwera, Welipitiya and Dickwella Divisional Secretariat Divisions. It has slightly affected coconut trees in Thihagoda, Malimbada, Kamburupitiya, Akuressa and Hakmana.

The Coconut Cultivation Board has initiated a programme to promote coconut cultivation in the Matara district. Coconut saplings will be planted using modern methods. Prior identification of the diseases is vital to control it effectively, the sources said.

Coconut research officials have instructed coconut cultivators and land owners to inform the relevant officials if they notice any symptoms of the disease. Transportation of any materials of coconut from the affected areas has been prohibited by the Government now. Every possible step have been made by the Coconut Cultivation Board to prevent the disease, Coconut Cultivation Regional Manager of the Matara District E. Leelananda said.