Kiri Ala

Introduction

In past time Kiri Ala was a traditional crop in home gardens

but now it ahas been come to a commercial crop. Kiri Ala is not

a seasonal crop. It can be grown under irrigation in any time.

Climate

Kiri Ala is a shade a preferred crop. Therefore this is planted under the coconut and banana cultivation in wet and intermediate zones. But in dry intermediate and wet zones can be grown as a mono crop or intercrop. Also this can be grown under the minimum supervision pest and diseases are very low.

Varieties

Isuru

This is produced high quality harvest. Harvest can be taken under the minimum supervision between 8-10 months.

Panting materials

Potions of rhizomes.

Spacing

As a mono crop             -        1m×1m

As an inter crop             -        1.2m×1.2m

Planting

Holes should be prepared according to the following measurements.

          For light soil                  -        45×45×45cm

          For light clay soil -        60×60×60cm

After that whole should be filled with organic fertilizers and surface soil up to ½ height. After saplings

Should be planted in the holes. Coconut husk layer or any after mulching method should be applied in dry zones.

Fertilizer application

	Urea kg/ha	Triple super phosphate kg/ha	Muriate of potash kg/ha
Before planting saplings	30	120	60
In 1st month	30	-	30
In 2nd  month	30	-	30
In3rd  month	30	-	30
In 4th  month	30	-	30

Weed control

Weeding should be done in the initial stage.

Pest and diseases control

When drainage is weak and clay level high of the soil roots rot can be occurred. Then leaves became to yellow colour and dead. Also crop can be damaged by Aphids. To control……..

Harvesting

When the yarns are matured leaves are decreased and leaves size became small. Also yarns come to the earth surface. Harvest is 16-18 ton/ha.