August 06, Colombo (LNW): Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda held a discussion with officials at his office in Jaffna last week to review the progress and address the shortcomings in sea cucumber farming. This industry has gained popularity among fishermen and investors in the Northern Province.
During the discussions, sea cucumber farmers expressed that the local community has shown significant interest in this industry, recognizing it as a major foreign exchange earner. They requested the expansion of sea cucumber farming to other areas, with many farmers planning to start cultivation on Kytes Island in Jaffna, seeking the Minister’s support for this initiative.
Minister Devananda emphasized the need for Northern fishermen to take a greater interest in sea cucumber farming, noting the substantial increase in farmers’ incomes. He also directed officials to provide necessary assistance to farmers not only in Kytes but throughout the Northern Province.