The Department of Agriculture introduced ‘Gac fruit,’ scientifically identified as ‘Momordica cochinchinensis’ to Sri Lanka, that can be successfully cultivated during both dry and wet weather seasons.
The Department said that the fruit can be consumed as a green vegetable or as a ripe fruit. The leaves of the fruit can be used as a salad. The fruit is used to prepare many culinary dishes to Dry Arill, oil, juice, jam and vitamin capsules. The fruit that grows as vines had been successfully cultivated in Eraminiyaya Farm in Angunakolapelessa.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera who was on a visit to the farm recently observe the cultivation of this fruit.He instructed the agriculture officers to widespread the fruit considering its ease of cultivation and the high income that can be earned by farmers.