Japan funds for Ratnapura's livelihood improvement

COLOMBO: The Japanese Government has provided of US$ 41,062 (Rs. 4.4 million) towards the 'Project for Improvements to Living Conditions of Communities through Eco-Agriculture'.

The project is to be implemented by the People's Development Foundation (PDF).

The project will address poverty related issues that need to be addressed through improving living standards of the people.

The project will be implemented in five areas in the Godakawela Divisional Secretariat division in the Ratnapura district, where agriculture is the main livelihood of the people.

Although Godakawela is the largest producer of vegetables in Ratnapura District, there are still difficulties related to harvesting, storing, transporting and marketing of farm products as farmers lacks the required facilities and know-how.

There are no facilities to preserve vegetables that are in abundance during harvest season. As a result, although large amount of agro-products are cultivated, farmers are unable to earn a considerable income for their daily living.

The project aims to facilitate the improvement in livelihood of low- income farmers through promotion of eco-friendly farming system and facilitating marketing of such products.

The funds will be utilised to provide training and awareness for 300 selected farmer families on organic farming and soil conservation measures to ensure sustainability in farming.

The project will also support the establishment of five plant nurseries to meet the demand for quality plants for eco-farming and other needs of the farmer community. Equipment and machinery such as food processing and preserving ovens, a multi grinder, a tractor, a trailer, a thresher etc., will be procured with project funds to enhance eco-farming activities and promote sales of farm products.

In addition, 10 technical workshops on eco-farming, management of revolving fund, food preservation and other self- employment skills will be conducted for 300 people.

The Japanese Government gives priority in its assistance for projects that promote poverty reduction and enhance rural development. This project is expected to improve the living standard of the rural community and to promote overall development in the district.

The signing ceremony of the grant contract took place at the Embassy of Japan last Friday. Ambassador of Japan Kiyoshi Araki and Director, People's Development Foundation K. A. L. D. Kurugalaarachchi signed the grant contract.