New technology introduced to Northern farmers

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Agriculture Ministry has taken measures to boost production of farmers in the North by introducing new technology with the support of the World Food Program (WFP), said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane after handing over the donated items at the ministry on Wednesday.

About 30 percent of agricultural produce is being wasted due to various reasons. the WFP, provided with funds from the Norwegian government, Australia and Switzerland have donated paddy storage units, parboiling vessels, rice flour mills and other machinery valued at 234,295 US dollars for 900 households in 22 villages across northern areas to support post-harvest management and food processing activities, said the minister.

With these facilities, families can store rice stocks more efficiently, limiting post harvest losses and thus improving long-term food security.

WFP Country Director Adnan Khan said that the project is entering a dynamic new phase where a combination of initiatives can make a tangible and lasting impact on the livelihoods of the people they assist.

"Training in processing techniques which add value to food crops will help farmers access a wider range of markets and secure better prices for their produce," said the country director.

Royal Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad, Australian High Commissioner Kathy Klugman, Swiss Development Cooperation Country Director Philip Beutler, WFP Head of the Programme Giancarlo Stopponi, Consultant Mohomed Azmey, Programme Officer Kithsiri Mullegamage, Donor Relations Officer Paulette Jones, Agriculture Ministry Secretary K E Karunathilake and Additional Secretary Shantha Amitiyagoda were present on the occasion.