Export Agricultural Crop Garden – Middeniya

Overview

The Export Agricultural Crop Garden, Middeniya is located within the Katuwana Divisional Secretariat of the Hambantota District. The garden is maintained as a dry zone demonstration center for Export Agricultural Crops (EACs) including cinnamon, pepper, citronella, lemongrass, and arecanut.

A central nursery of the Department of Export Agriculture is operated within the garden for the propagation of both traditional and improved varieties of these crops. The garden also provides land facilities for field trials, research activities, and experimental studies, while functioning as a central pepper processing center for farmers.

Total land extent: 25 acres

Land Arrangement

Graminae Collection (2.5 acres): Includes Ceylon and Java citronella selections, lemongrass, vetiver collections, and demonstration plots for cultivation practices.

Cinnamon Cultivation: Demonstration cinnamon plots and research blocks established for ongoing studies conducted by the National Cinnamon Research Station, Palolpitiya.

Pepper Cultivation: Demonstrative pepper cultivation, varietal collections, and research blocks managed in collaboration with the Central Research Station, Matale.

Arecanut Cultivation: Cultivation area extending 0.5 acres.

Nursery and Mother Plant Garden: Propagation of cinnamon, pepper, and arecanut using both improved and traditional varieties. Planting materials are supplied from a well-maintained mother plant garden to meet district-level demand.

Reserved Forest and Spice Garden: Approximately 4.5 acres preserved as forest and spice garden areas.

Services Provided by the Station

• Provision of planting materials of cinnamon, pepper, and arecanut, including improved varieties
• Technical guidance and demonstrations on cultivation practices of cinnamon, pepper, citronella, and lemongrass
• Guidance on soil conservation methods, cultural practices, organic manure production, and nursery management
• Conducting field trials, research activities, and experimental studies
• Providing pepper processing facilities for farmers
• Offering in-plant training programs for students of higher education institutions