UNIDENTIFIED PEST THREATENS PUTTALAM COCONUT CULTIVATORS

Coconut cultivation in the Puttalam district is under threat by a yet unidentified pest, causing much anxiety to planters and coconut smallholders.

- By Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe

A senior official of the Coconut Research Institute said the pest is spreading fast in Madurankuliya, Mangalaeliya, Mundalama, Rajakadaluwa, Tharavilluwa, Kottapitiya and Anawilundawa areas. He said the Coconut Research Institute and the Coconut Culvitation Board are taking steps to prevent the spread of the pest in the form of a caterpillar.