Samaposha wins agri-business awards

The manufacturers of Samaposha - won a Silver National and Gold Award at the Agri-Business Awards 2009 held by the National Agribusiness Council at the BMICH.

The awards were presented to Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd., Mohan Ratwatte by Minister of Agriculture, Hemakumara Nanayakkara at the Pro-Food Pro-Pack Exhibition. Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd., is a subsidiary of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL).

This is the second consecutive year that Samaposha has received the award in recognition of the effective implementation of the backward integration programme the company has with farmers. Locally grown produce are the core ingredients that are combined in Samaposha. More than 12,000 farmers benefit from the programme that significantly helps enhance Sri Lanka's farming community while strengthening the nation's social agricultural economy.

"I am delighted to receive this coveted award for the second time, because it demonstrates our commitment to Sri Lanka's progress which can only sprout forthwith the prosperity of our hard working and dedicated farmers. We have a close relationship with the farming community and they in return motivate and encourage us through their unshakable loyalty and enthusiasm", said Mohan Ratwatte.

The main crops grown under the scheme are soya bean, green gram, corn and rice. The Company initially launched a seed production program to ensure the high quality of the produce.

The Company's well-structured extension network provides technical know-how and good management practices to the farmers and the monitoring activities that go hand in hand with this program helps to ensure high yields as well.

The farmers who benefit from this program are mainly spread across the dry zone in the North Central and Uva Provinces.

The brainchild of forming the first ever Farmer Club in Dambulla was mooted by the CBL Board with a pledge to release further funds to enhance the living standards of the farmer community in the dry zone financially, socially, and educationally. The Company envisages setting up more Farmer Clubs and social development activities in all the areas of cultivation.