Coconut auction in Tangalle

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COIR FIBRE: The Coconut Development Authority (CDA) has organised a programme titled "Dakshina Lanka Karmantha Navodaya" today in Tangalle and Beliatta.

The objective of this programme is to encourage and promote the small and medium scale manufacturers of coir fibre finished products, small and medium scale coconut growers and processors of coconut kernel based products.

Director Marketing, CDA H.D. Jayasinghe said that this programme will comprise coconut auctions, and distribution of machinery and raw material. The auction will commence from 9.00 a.m. at the Cooperative Centre in Beliatta today.

Jayasinghe said that the prevailing market for fresh coconuts, is unsatisfactory at present and it is necessary to change this situation to a favourable one in southern region by ensuring small and medium scale coconut growers and processors , with fair and remunerative prices for their products.

Distribution of machinery and raw material will be held at 11.00 a.m. at the Tangalle public ground to facilitate the rural industrialists of coir based products in the SME sector Priority will be given to those who have been affected by the tsunami disaster.

Five hundred coir yarn spinning machines and 100 Kgs of raw material will be given to each manufacturer. First Lady Shiranthi Rajapakse and Minister of Coconut Development Salinda Disanayake will be present.