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Strategy to promote organic products

by Tharika Goonathilake

The Environment and Natural Resources Ministry has called in a multidisciplinary committee of experts to develop a strategy to promote organic products and introduce a national organic standard and certification system for Sri Lanka.

The move is aimed at tapping the increasing demand for organic products both at local and foreign level while dissuading excessive dependence on chemical fertiliser, and redressing related environmental problems.It is also seen as a vital component in poverty alleviation.

"There is high potential for organically grown goods. If we can develop this potential to go with existing agricultural systems and integrate it with sustainable agricultural practises Sri Lanka can reap the benefits of this sector," a member of the expert committee told the `Daily News' yesterday.

The committee will also study hindrances that have kept this sector from reaching its full potential.

"Government intervention is required to introduce organic products certification eco-labelling and for setting standards. Successive Governments have failed to extend the necessary support to give a much needed impetus to the sector.All these areas need to be addressed," he said.

The committee will look into issues such as problems farmers face in growing organic products, cost effectiveness, introducing alternative fertiliser, new eco-friendly methods for cultivation, incentives during conversion periods to fully organic farming methods, marketing at both national and international level as well as creating credible eco-label.

The expert panel will also study the pros and cons of establishing a national body of certification and examine possibilities of making use of the expertise of the Export Development Board and Sri Lanka Standards Institution.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Department, Samurdhi, Irrigation and Water Management, Rural Economy and Enterprise Development is associated with the plan. 

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