August 06, Colombo (LNW): The Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has introduced a new hotline number, 1916, and a phone application called “Coconut App” to provide solutions for issues related to coconut cultivation. Starting today, growers can receive assistance in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
The new hotline aims to address diseases affecting coconut cultivation and improve yield. Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera attended the launch event at his ministry, alongside CCB Chairman Panduka Weerasinghe, Managing Director Athila Weerasinghe, and Coconut Development Authority Chairman Prof. Roshan Perera.
Minister Amaraweera highlighted the challenges faced by coconut growers, such as diseases like white fly, red beetle, black beetle, and Weligama coconut leaf disease. He emphasized the irregular application of fertilizers and the need to increase annual coconut production from 3,000 million to 3,600 million coconuts.
To achieve this goal, the Minister stressed the importance of integrating technology into cultivation practices. During the event, Minister Amaraweera called the technical hotline 1916 and inquired about white fly damage, receiving prompt assistance from a CCB official.
