Organic farming as a national programme

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Newly developed organic farming methods to reap bumper harvest will be introduced as a national program for farmers next year, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane, said.

As research done by agriculture experts have yielded positive results, the ministry has decided to introduce it as a national programme. Sri Lanka is a country with the minimal chemical fertilizer usage as both farmers and the public have realized the value of chemical free foods, the minister said.

He also said that the research proved that there is a possibility of having various types of diseases due to the present consumption method. Presently, there is a big demand for chemical free traditional food in both local and foreign markets that are rich with medicinal value and the nutritions.

The Agriculture Ministry has already started a number of programmes to encourage farmers on organic farming. The ministry also conducts programmes to enhance organic fertilizer production.

Sri Lanka had its own methods of cultivation. Traditional agriculture in Sri Lanka was based on natural process, the minister said.