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Islandwide program to produce organic products for export

by Kurunegala North group correspondent

The Ministry of Environment and National Resources will launch an islandwide program to produce organic agricultural product for the export market. The program which is a part of the Ministry's 100 day development plan, and which is being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock is also expected to promote environmental consideration through economic development and poverty alleviation.

Over 100 farmers from Kurunegala, Bingiriya and Dehiattakandiya have already been selected for the project. 'We need honest people to engage in this venture because the inspecting measures to verify the organic mature of the produce are extremely expensive", said Dr. B.M.S. Batagoda Director, Environment Economic and Global Affairs Division of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

Dr. Batagoda said that the program is aimed, at meeting the huge demand for organic products in the international market and increasing rural income through environmental-friendly agriculture. He also said that for the program to succeed, it was necessary for the government to certify the organic product.

Organic farming is an ecological sustainable system, based on animals or well on crops, in which organic wastes are recycled. Organic and ecological farming is viewed as viable means of creating a solid foundation for uplifting the rural economy that will also safeguard the environment.

Dr. Batagoda said that the, ministry was looking for government assistance to initiate organic-product certification, eco-labelling and to set product standards.

The Environment Economics and Global Affairs Division of the Ministry has already set up an organic product unit to promote environmentally friendly business. He invited the private sector to participate in the organic agriculture trade as it has proved to be a very profitable and sound venture which will earn foreign exchange for the country.

A multidisciplinary expert committee has also been set up to initiate organic certification and standards specifically for the international market. The committee will develop national standards, a ratification system and design eco-labels for organic products; conduct awareness programs and provide guidelines on organic farming and communicate with the private sector, negotiate and explore the international organic market and liaise with Fair Trade Organisations.

Germany, Japan, the USA and European countries have already agreed to purchase organic products from Sri Lanka. USA has agreed to purchase any quality of Gotukola he said.

In addition, the project will also contribute towards controlling soil erosion and environmental pollution, promote indigenous crops diversity, cut down on dependence on high cost chemical inputs and enhance farming through the use of indigenous resources as inputs.

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