HVA organic farm to begin commercial operations

By Lalin Fernandopulle

Work on the main project of the Sanvincent Ranch Organic Farm of HVA Farms (Pvt) Ltd. will commence shortly, said HVA Group Chairman, Rohan Fernando.

He said that preliminary work which includes cultivating the first 25-acre block comprises short, medium and long-term crops. Long-term crops comprise mango, cashew and sweet orange cultivation and short to medium-term cultivation will comprise papaya and banana.

The HVA Group, a branded tea exporter, launched construction of an eco-friendly forest garden resort with chalets and recreational facilities to tap the potential of the booming tourism industry.

The Rs. 200 million organic farm has been set up on land taken on a 30-year lease in Elunvankulam, Puttalam bordering the Wilpattu National Park. The resort comprises 15 eco-friendly chalets powered by solar panels.

Fernando said that processing plants and out-grower scheme to buy back crops from rural farmers at guaranteed prices will be set up under the second stage. A plant to process coconut products is being designed and it is under negotiation.

“We will process virgin coconut oil, coconut water, poonac, coconut fibre, coconut pith and activated carbon. Coconut pith and poonac will be used in the farm for organic manure and cattle feed,” he said.

The land will be developed into 25 to 50-acre blocks which will have cattle and poultry yards for milk, eggs and organic manure. “At the pilot farm we are already manufacturing papaya and marmalade jam,” said Fernando.

The salient feature of the farm is promoting agriculture with 100 percent organic principles and a CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) free zone in the farm,” he said.

The research and development unit linked to the main research laboratory of HVA will monitor the impact in terms of MPK requirements, fertiliser, moisture, PH content of the soil without the use of chemicals.

Groundwater will be tested regularly for harmful heavy metals to ensure that soil and water resources are free from CKD related substances.

Fernando said that around 100 direct jobs and a large number of indirect jobs will be created on completion of the project.

Work on the pilot project commenced in 1998. Work on the main project was delayed due to administrative and statutory requirements.

The tourism industry needs more hotels rooms and better infrastructure. The industry attracted over one million visitors last year and targets around 1.1 million by the end of this year.