|
|
 |
| Sunday, 17 March 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Programme to promote organic agricultural products by Neomi Kodikara The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources will launch an islandwide programme to promote organic agriculture for the export market. The programme, which is part of the Ministry's 100-day rapid development plan, and which is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is also expected promote environmental conservation through economic development and poverty alleviation. Over 100 farmers from Dehiattakandiya and Bingiriya, Kurunegala have already been selected for this project. "We need honest people to engage in the trade because the inspecting measures to verify organic nature of the products are extremely expensive," said Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda, Director Environment, Economic and Global Affairs Division, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources. Explaining the objective of the programme, Dr. Batagoda said that programme is aimed at tapping the huge demand for organic products in the international market and increasing rural income through environmental-friendly agriculture. He also pointed out that for the programme succeed, it was necessary for the government to certify the organic product. Organic farming is an ecologically sustainable production system, based on animals as well as crops, in which organic wastes are recycled on the land. Organic and ecological farming is viewed as viable means of creating a solid foundation for uplifting the rural economy that will also safeguard the environment. Dr. Batagoda said that Ministry was looking for government assistance to develop organic-product certification, eco-labelling and to set product standards. The Environment Economics and Global Affairs Division of the Ministry has already established an organic product unit to promote environmentally friendly business. He invited the private sector to participate in the organic agricultural trade as it has proved to be a very profitable and sound means of drawing foreign exchange to the country. A multidisciplinary Expert committee has also been appointed to develop organic certification and setting standards specifically for the international market. The committee will develop national standards; a certification system and design eco-labels for organic products; conduct awareness programmes and provides necessary guidelines on organic farming and communicate with the private sector; negotiate and explore the international organic market and liaise with IFOAM and Fair Trade Organisation. Germany, Japan, USA and European countries have already agreed to purchase the organic products from Sri Lanka. "USA has agreed to purchase any amount of Gotukola," he said. In addition, the project will also contribute towards controlling soil erosion and environmental pollution, save the loss of indigenous crop diversity, cut down on the dependence on high cost chemical inputs and enhance farming through the use of indigenous resources as inputs. The demands which are to be met are developing organic certification standards, educating the villagers to tap the export market thereby maximize farmer income, developing model organic farms in selected Divisional Secretariat areas to achieve a national target of 20,000 hectares within the next two years. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
