The Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a massive  cultivation program in the North  after 30 years. Although the North is blessed with appropriate geographical advantages for coconut cultivation, the LTTE was a major threat,  Minister of Agriculture Hema Kumara Nanayakkara told  our special correspondent in Vavuniya during a visit to the welfare centers in Vavuniya. 
 

The Ministry had already formulated a plan to cultivate plants in the North and the program would begin following the resettlement of all internally displaced people. Before the program, all the required infrastructure facilities for coconut cultivation would be provided to make it a complete success, he added.

Meanwhile, the Government plans to resettle the displaced families in the North before the end of this year. A massive infrastructure development program in the North will also be implemented in line with the resettlement program, deputy Minister of Social Services and Social Welfare Lionel Premasiri said visiting the welfare centers in Vavuniya, our correspondent added.(SST)