Local food crusade to combat health issues - NFPB

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The National Food Promotion Board (NFPB) chairperson Kumuduni Gunasekara said it is necessary to promote local food among the Sri Lankans for their betterment.

“Some health problems such as diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, malnutrition and kidney diseases are common in the country. The NFPB was focusing on promoting local food among the Sri Lankans as a solution to these health issues she said.

‘A massive food promotion programme will be conducted by the NFPB,an institution under the purview of the Agriculture Ministry. It has selected 20,000 women from 20 districts and plans to improve their knowledge on local food processing and cooking methods to enhance child nutrition.

‘They plan to develop attitudes and skills of the women, NFPB chairperson Kumuduni Gunasekara told the Daily News. Attitudinal changes are essential for the promotion of local food,” a senior official of the Agriculture Ministry said.

He said people are attracted to the attractive varieties of imported fruits and vegetables in the market. They are unaware of the chemicals added to them. They think buying fruits from supermarkets is something to be proud of.

Farmers will benefit by the promotion of local food among Sri Lankans. A good market will be created for them to meet the increase in demand for their produce, he said.