The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has modernized farms and introduced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to over 600 smallholder vegetable farmers in the districts 0f Badulla, Moneragala, and Mullaitivu, the FAO said.

The following is the text of the FAO press release: “The initiative focused on equipping targeted farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively adopt modern, climate-resilient approaches to agriculture. Emphasizing the adoption of GAP, participants were provided with agriculture kits tailored for a land area of 0.25 acres. These kits comprised essential components such as drip irrigation systems, plastic mulch, insect-proof nets, and Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes, enabling efficient resource utilization and cost reduction.

In addition, FAO facilitated capacity building through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), empowering farmers with the expertise necessary to achieve GAP certification. By utilizing extension approaches and organizing exposure visits to successful GAP farms, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural methodologies. Furthermore, smallholder farmers received cash assistance through the World Food Programme (WFP), helping them meet their food and nutrition needs during the transition phase.

The tangible outcomes of the initiative underscore its success. Over 71% of participating farmers have reported notable improvements in crop quality and a reduction in pesticide and agro-chemical usage. Furthermore, the implementation of insect-proof nets has led to a decrease in pest infestations and diseases while also reducing damage from wild animals, such as monkeys, peacocks and wild boar, thereby enhancing crop resilience and sustainability.

72% of farmers reported an increase in total income with over 24 farmers achieving profits exceeding Rs. 1,000,000/- in a single cultivation season and more than 150 farmers surpassing the Rs. 500,000/- mark. These figures underscore the significant economic impact of the programme. The initiative has also yielded significant environmental benefits with a 48% reduction in the average usage of chemical fertiliser per 0.25 acres of land.

This intervention is a part of a joint food security initiative, funded by the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund. The Fund promotes innovative, catalytic, and transformative initiatives that align with the national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027). It is supported by Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Peace Building Fund, and the Joint SDG Fund.

Celebrating the achievements of farmers across all three districts, an awards ceremony was held in Thanamalwila under the patronage of Australian Deputy Head of Mission Lalita Kapur, Provincial Secretary of Agriculture Upali Jayasekara, and FAO Assistant Representative (Programme) Nalin Munasinghe. The event not only recognized exemplary achievements but also underscored the pivotal role of GAP certification in enhancing market demand and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Looking ahead, FAO Sri Lanka remains committed to nurturing agricultural modernization and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Sri Lanka.”