Agri Minister visits Weligama SADP families
The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena recently visited
several families enrolled under the Sustainable Agriculture Development
Program (SADP) in Weligama to inspect the progress made since his
previous visit.
The Minister attended two meetings in Borala and Denipitiya, where he
addressed beneficiaries of SADP and appreciated the program's
contribution to improve the lives of the people.
He called upon the beneficiaries to make the most of SADP's offering.
He reiterated the importance of organic agriculture and its role in the
national agriculture development drive under programs such as Api Wawamu
- Rata Nagamu and Divi Neguma.
"The Sustainable Agriculture Development Program promotes the use of
organic agriculture practices by raising awareness of the effects of
using chemical fertiliser and pesticides. I support the endeavour to
encourage families to organically grow their food wherever possible,
leading them towards financial independence while improving nutritional
standards," the Minister said.
The Minister also distributed large water storage tanks to all 400
families in Borala and Denipitya.
In the Matara District, SADP has touched the lives of over 1,200
families in Malinboda, Hakmana, Kananke, Jayawickramapura, Borala and
Denipitiya.
The volunteer families are enrolled in the program for 30 months
during which they are introduced to home gardening and animal husbandry.
SADP guides beneficiaries to improve nutrition levels, generate
livelihood and ultimately, achieve self-sustainability. It also empowers
women, enrich the environment and maximise land use.
As the flagship CSR program of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC), SADP
is founded on the philosophy of: "helping those who are willing to help
themselves". The program has become an integral factor in enhancing the
lives of rural villagers living below the poverty line. Characteristics
such as voluntary registration, no cash-handouts and the increment of
input based on the commitment of beneficiaries to rise above the poverty
level have made |