Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has requested the Wildlife and Forestry Director Generals to grant permission to those engaged in the Kitul tapping industry to tap trees in the wildlife and forest conservation areas.
Accordingly, the Wildlife and Forest Conservation Department has agreed to grant permission for Kithul tapping in wildlife and forest conservation areas.
areas.
As there is a high demand for Kithul-related products in the international market, steps must be implemented to confirm the quality of the Kithul products.
The total number of Kithul trees in the country is three million, but only 20% is being tapped with the remaining 80% left untapped.
Due to the addition of sugar to certain products, the Agriculture Ministry has decided to introduce a series of new rules and regulations to ensure the quality of Kithul treacle and jaggery.