In accordance with President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s strategic vision, the government is poised to initiate a pioneering pilot project in the Anuradhapura district, earmarking a substantial investment of US$ 100 million to revolutionise agricultural practices.
The requisite agreement has been formally executed with Navita Capital of Portugal, signifying a significant milestone in the project’s progression.
With a total investment of US$ 100 million, each farming family stands to benefit from an allocation of US$ 6,000,
Former President of Maldives and the Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Mohamed Nasheed speaks at the media conference yesterday.
facilitating the implementation of solar pumps and other energy projects for sustainable agriculture.
Under the guidance of President Wickremesinghe and with pivotal support from the former President of Maldives and the Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) Mohamed Nasheed, this initiative underscores Sri Lanka’s dedication to addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development.
The execution of the project on the ground will be driven by the collaboration between the ‘Our Movement Lanka’ organisation and Nativa Capital, with oversight from the Government of Sri Lanka.
This endeavour not only promises economic prosperity, but also seeks to empower farming communities with innovative technology and sustainable practices. It is poised to create employment opportunities, attract foreign investment, and fortify Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
Nativa Capital Executive Director Carlos Gomes speaks at the media conference yesterday.
Speaking at the ‘Collective Path to a Stable Country’ media briefing held at the Presidential Media centre (PMC) yesterday (7), Senior Advisor to the President on Climate Change, Ruwan Wijewardene stated that the Climate Change Office of Sri Lanka, in partnership with the CVF and Nativa Capital of Portugal, finalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday in Colombo.
This collaborative agreement signals a collective commitment to undertake a farming and forest protection project in Sri Lanka, with the aim of uplifting 15,000 farming families in the Anuradhapura district. Meticulous selection has designated a subset of 15 families and 15 acres for the pilot endeavour.
The Senior Advisor to the President emphasised that the inception of this project marks a pivotal stride towards fostering a robust export-oriented economy rooted in sustainable agricultural practices.
Wijewardene elaborated that the pilot project will focus on the cultivation of chilli, water melon and tomato. Additionally, the investment company will facilitate market procurement related to these crops.
Further expounding on the initiative, Ruwan Wijewardene reiterated:
“President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s initiative to modernise agriculture has attracted investment from a Portuguese company aimed at deploying advanced agricultural technology. With 15,000 families and an equivalent acreage already earmarked in the Anuradhapura district, the pilot project targets the involvement of 15 families across 15 acres.
“Each family stands to benefit from an investment totalling approximately US$ 6000, which covers not only modern technical equipment, but also addresses longstanding market access challenges faced by farmers. Nativa, the investment company, has committed to purchasing the produce generated by this project, thereby ensuring a sustainable market outlet.
“In addition to technological upgrades, efforts have been made to address market access issues faced by farmers, with the investment company committing to purchasing produce from the project. Currently focusing on chilli, tomato and water melon cultivation, the project aims to diversify into other crops in the future.
“Upon the successful implementation of this pilot project, the government plans to extend modern agricultural technologies to other districts, foreseeing a transformation in the export economy and an enhancement in the quality of life for farmers.”
Apart from Mohamed Nasheed, Secretary General of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and former President of Maldives, Carlos Gomes, Executive Director of Nativa, Sandeep Samarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Australia and Attorney-at-Law Kasturi Anuradhanayake were present at the signing of the MoU.
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