(Colombo, Lankapuvath)
The Ministry of Agriculture is to launch a massive
campaign to eradicate the invasive plant species known as the giant
mimosa (Yodha Nidikumba) in Sri Lanka. Mimosa is identified as one of the worst invasive and destructive plants in the world.
According to plant experts this species is spreading in the
mountainous areas in the country and especially on the river banks of
the Mahaweli. The giant mimosa has started spreading rapidly and is
posing a threat to the existing native plant species. It has recently
spread to Kaduwela and Malabe in Colombo District.
This species was first discovered in the areas of the Mahaweli River bank and the experts have found out that cattle died after eating this plant.
This species was first discovered in the areas of the Mahaweli River bank and the experts have found out that cattle died after eating this plant.
The rapid spreading of Giant Mimosa was discussed at a special meeting
held at the Malabe Pradesheeya Sabha with the participation of
Agricultural Director, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors,
Agriculture Research and Development Officers, Samudri Officers, Village
Officers and other public officials.
It was pointed out that the Giant Mimosa has a life span of 50 years and it is resistant to many chemicals.
Under the first eradication scheme, this plant was destroyed in 10
acres of land in Malabe. It was decided to launch a major campaign to
destroy the plat and prevent it spreading into cultivation areas.
Farmers in these areas claim that the spread of the plants is hard to
control the fast spreading plant. According to plant experts invasive
plants show a rapid progress in its distribution mainly due to the
environment they grow in and emphasized the need to eradicate the
invasive Giant mimosa from the environment before it causes further
destruction.
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