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| Sunday, 5 January 2003 |
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Business |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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'Year of Production and Export' The Sri Lanka Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (SLFVPPEA) has themed 2003 as the Year of Production and Export. To achieve this target, the SLFVPPEA is planning several programs including the purchase of 10 units in the Meegoda Economic Centre, revitalisation of the export promotion village concept, inaugurating the 600 poly tunnels program in Uva Paranagama, commencing high-tech agriculture by farmer associations of Uva, Diyaluva, Soranathota, Ella, Hali Ela and private sector investment in cold rooms in the Greater Colombo area. Among the programs that have got off the ground are 'Mahaweli one crop one area' concept, which produces high brid papaya for export, and cultivating high brid water melons by farmers in Bingiriya. According to Sarath De Silva, Chairman SLFVPPEA, the high cost of produce due to low yields and heavy post-harvest losses, inconsistent production due to non-application of modern technology, equipment, implements and seed material, under-utilisation of labour as well as excessive dependence on hired labour instead of using simple devices such as drip units, wasteful use of water and use of traditional improper watering practices as well as the wrong and excessive use of chemicals and fertiliser are some of the reasons Sri Lanka is not able to exploit its full potential in agriculture. Changing the mindset of the rural farmers who are not motivated to identify their capacity and potential to become commercial producers instead of being subsistence farmers is the most difficult task in our agenda, he added. |
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