In the last five years, 458 students pursuing the Bachelor of Agro-Technology Degree conducted by the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS) have left the course.
It was reported that only 1,179 students are continuing the course and that 458 have left it.
According to administrative sources, the main reason for abandoning the course is economic difficulties.
Loss of 6.6mnfrom turmeric plants
Meanwhile, an investigation conducted by the National Audit Office has revealed that a loss of over Rs.6.6 million has been incurred from sales of banana and turmeric plants grown by UCIARS last year at a cost of over Rs.16.8 million.
Administrative sources said the decrease in the demand for turmeric plants and the difficulties in selling the products have caused the loss.