Barefoot Economy to build $ 600,000 fragrant oil plant in K'gala
 

by Surekha Galagoda

An essential oil manufacturing plant will be built at a cost of US$ 600,000 in Kurunegala by Barefoot Economy, a not for profit organisation headed by Anna Kiousis, an Australian with the aim of providing economic independence, equal opportunity and self determination to the poorest of the poor.

She said construction work on the 7,500 square metre factory will be completed by mid next year while all the machinery will be imported from Australia.

Farmers who live below the poverty line around the country will be encouraged to grow aromatic plants such as ginger and palmarosa. We will buy the produce at a premium price, distil it and export it to fragrance manufacturing companies as well as personal care product manufacturing companies. In addition we will also market our oils in niche markets such as boutique hotels where there is a heavy demand.

Since the product is manufactured ethically and as it is organic the demand will be very high, said Kiousis.

The profits earned will be reinvested in the company so that more people can be employed. "Initially, we plan to employ 1,000 people", she said. The managers employed at the factory will be trained in world class management practices.

She said the technical advisory group of the Barefoot Economy based in Australia who are experts in building manufacturing industries in Africa and Asia will advise on the purchase of machinery to get the best results.

The founder of Barefoot Economy has been working for humanitarian agencies for the past 16 years where she experienced that aid for developing countries was given towards very primary income generating projects such as coir weaving and basket making.

"I realised that this was not the path for poverty alleviation. Therefore after much study Barefoot Economy was launched with these aims, said Kiousis.

"I selected Sri Lanka as the pilot project as every aromatic plant such as cinnamon, jasmine, ginger, cardamom, vanilla and palmarosa grows very well but at most times it is exported in its raw form.

Therefore I can add value to the product and give farmers a better price and improve their living standard and thereby the whole economy."

We will be providing agricultural extension training for farmers.

She said that most of the people involved in the project are doing it on a voluntary basis which has helped me to give it back to the farmers.

Barefoot Economy is an independent, home grown, not for profit organisation based in Sydney, Australia.

Our vision is, through economic development, to create a better world, free of poverty where everyone has equal opportunity and the right to self-determination.

Our mission is to set up locally owned and managed ethical and environmentally sustainable enterprises to provide opportunities for the poorest communities in developing nations.

Barefoot Economy recognises that the application of business principles and business practices is the prime driver for overcoming poverty. Barefoot Economy works in partnership with business, trusts and foundations, international development organisations, community organisations and any individuals who share our passion for social entrepreneurship to create a better world.

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