Investments in agriculture vital to achieve food security

Increasing investments in agricultural research and development is vital to boost food security and achieve self-sufficiency, said National Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka, Plantation Committee Chairman and National Advisor for Agriculture, Sarath de Silva.

He said that agriculture is an evolving science similar to medicine which makes it all the more important to focus more on enhancing research and development in agriculture.

World food security is at risk with the sharp rise in population and global challenges such as climate change. “Vibrant public-private partnerships are essential to boost research and development in Sri Lanka which is moving at a slow pace.

Several universities with private agri business institutions have launched agricultural research on perennial crops to increase production and exports,” de Silva said.

With the world population expected to reach nine billion in 2050, the challenge to feed the rising number of people will be enormous according to food experts who have been harping on the need to enhance allocations for agricultural research and development essential to introduce high yielding crops and increase the yield per plant.

De Silva who is also the Chairman of International Food Company (IFCO) has launched agri research with several universities to develop high yielding crops and bring export revenue to the country.

IFCO has tied up with the University of Ruhuna, Rajarata and Uva to promote agri research at the farms in Badulla, Kurunegala and Matara.

He said that the company has invested around Rs. 100 million for research and development. The revenue from exports of fruits and vegetables is around Rs. 4 billion which could be doubled in the next five years through research and development. "We must give up primitive ways and focus on modern pre and post harvesting methods to minimise waste and increase food production,” de Silva said.