Macksons supports toxin-free sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka

Macksons, the manufacturer of Sri Lankan Heritage brand Multilac Paints and Macktiles floor tiles, has launched an innovative new CSR project. In collaboration with the University of Colombo, Macksons Group is offering a certificate course in organic agriculture, aimed at supporting toxin-free agriculture.

Macksons Group Managing Director Mizver Makeen stated; “As a 100% home grown conglomerate, we are committed to supporting the government’s long-term goal of providing toxin-free meals to all Sri Lankans. At Macksons we believe that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entails going beyond mere one-off projects simply to boost our corporate brand. Instead we keenly feel the pulse of the nation and work closely with our fellow Sri Lankans, uniting in our efforts to build a better future. Although we are not an agro-based group, we feel it is our duty to support our nation during its time of need for organic solutions in agriculture.”

“Sri Lanka has overly relied on chemical fertilizers resulting in the addition of poisonous agrochemicals to our diet. This has compromised the nutritional value of staple foods such as rice, and endangered the health of future generations. We have launched several projects to expand organic farming in the country and lay the foundation for building toxin-free agriculture practices. In addition to the health benefits, the country can decrease spending crucial foreign exchange on importing chemical fertilizers and harmful pesticides.”

He also stated; “scientific and technical knowledge is essential for proper cultivation and proper production of fertilizers and pesticides. We are so fortunate to have eminent lecturers of the University of Colombo Institute of Agricultural Technology and Rural Studies in Weligatta, Hambantota, joining hands with us to share their expertise.”

The course aims to provide both practical and theoretical knowledge on organic farming and fertilizer production. The knowledge imparted will undoubtedly be of great benefit to farmers, entrepreneurs, regulators and consultants of the Agri Services Institutions who are engaged in the production of organic fertilizers.

“At Multilac, we were able to introduce non-toxic paints to our country with international certification from IPEN, USA. We strongly feel if traditionally harmful and toxic products like paint can be made non-toxic, transforming Sri Lanka into an organic agriculture based nation is not an impossible task,” he noted.

The first batch of 17 students participated in a 14-day residential workshop and completed the course on February 3, at the University of Colombo’s Institute of Agricultural Technology and Rural Studies in Weligatta, Hambantota. Macksons group is committed to widely disseminating knowledge of toxin-free agricultural practices.

Macksons has also invested in a three-acre property in Kahathuduwa for a pilot research project to develop different varieties of crops. The Group also intends to commence a pilot organic fertilizer manufacturing unit together with the University of Colombo. The unit aims to broad base scientifically proven methods of organic cultivation, the production of organic fertilizer, and organic non-toxic pest control systems.

The second batch was also enrolled recently and more details could be obtained from, ecoagri@macksons.com.