The state as well as the private sector have been contributing towards agricultural development in the Uva Province since 2006. Accordingly, it was possible to enhance the promotion of marketing natural bees honey by 425% in the Uva Province. Sri Lanka imports around 50-60 tons of bees honey and the objective of this bees honey project is to increase the local production to cater to 50% of the total requirements of the country. Promotion of local vegetables and fruits such as ash pumpkin, tomatoes, passion fruits and cucumber also will be undertaken under this project.
This programme of National Agribusiness Development Programme (NADeP) is presently implemented in around 12 districts in the country, financial facilities for which is provided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This programme is successfully implemented in the districts such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Badulla etc. Over 500 selected farmers are benefited under this programme where financial assistance is extended to purchase equipment required for infrastructure facilities such as irrigation and agricultural wells etc.
National Agribusiness Development Programme is implemented under Divineguma Programme undertaken by the Ministry of Economic Development. Further, the farmers in rural areas will be able to generate heavy volumes of additional income through Community Based Organizations.
The Memorandum of Understanding envisaging state and private sector contribution towards uplifting the farmer community was signed by Dr.Nihal Jayatilake, Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development and the officials of the two companies, Cargill’s Ceylon Limited and Ceylon Biscuits Limited.
Minister Douglas Devananda, S.M.Chandrasena, Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame and a host of state and private sector officials were present on this occasion.
