The environmental restoration of each farm is only one part of our program. Each farmer has social and economic goals which we consider, and that helps determine what crops they grow or how much of each crop they grow.’’ The නිසාගිනි 7.0 project was implemented with the aim of ‘Developing inclusive economic opportunities for small - scale farmers.’ But this was not just an issue of tapping into global demand. It was a matter of building a valuable bridge between rural producers and booming markets. This project 7.0, 2ndphase named "එතෙර අරුණ" was implemented on April 17, 2025 with the aim of opening up export markets and business. Farm processors [PVT] Ltd Oyamaduwa, Anuradhapura was selected for the project.
The project began with the identification of farmers within 10 kilometers of the institute through Mr.Rajitha Wikrmasinghe [Thanthirimale AI] to select around 30 small farmers and non-farmers eager to engage in agricultural cultivation. The focus of this initiative was on value-added farm products, namely vacuum-dried gourds, bitter gourds and pumpkins. These are sourced from small-holder farmers well processed by the institute and then supplied to the market, which provides them with a steady market for their produce.
The event began at 11.00am with the farmers giving us a warm welcome. First, Mr. Sunil Rodrigo, managing director of Farm processors PVT Ltd., and Mrs. Chulani Amarasinghe, assistant director of the service training institute north central provincial agriculture department, delivered the relevant knowledge. They explained many important things for us. After that we shared with farmers more valuable things like strategies to increase income sources for them, new jobs for the unemployed, etc. At that happy moment, they enjoyed that moment together with our Leo members.
Besides, the farmers were assisted by providing them with the possibility of buying seeds and fertilizers at a discounted rate, paying 50% of the prices. This was made possible through a financial arrangement where the necessary funds were allocated to the institute, helping the farmers initial investment. The general aim of this project was to increase the income of small-scale farmers by connecting them to the institution and offering them financial support and training. The project created a sustainable model that benefits both the farmers and the larger agricultural community. Through this approach, the farmers were able to cultivate higher-quality produce, secure a steady income and contribute to a more sustainable food supply chain. At the end of the day, we successfully completed our project and got lots of amazing experience. Finally, we gave our best regards to those who helped make this an unforgettable social mission.
-By Leo Sulakshi Liyanage-
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