The Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project (ASMP) conducted an awareness program for its entrepreneurs involved in agriculture-based farming, production, manufacturing for value addition and exporting. The workshop was held last week at the State Ministry of Agriculture auditorium.
Over 50 people participated. Secretary to the State Ministry, D.L.P. Rohana Abeyratne presided over the plenary session and ASMP Project Director Rohana Gamage addressed the gathering.
Senior officers of Export Development Board (EDB), Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) and a system certifying body Indexpo presented on export related matters, Quality Management System certification requirements and perspectives at the session.
The main objective of the program was to impart general awareness on exporting of agricultural produce and certification of appropriate Quality Management Systems acceptable to respective exportable destinations.
ASMP is a World Bank funded project began awarding grants in 2016-2017 and functioned under the Cabinet Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture and State Ministry for Development of Minor Crops including Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Beetle related Industries and Export Promotions. As of now, the ASMP has awarded Rs. 4.8 billion to 769 prospective agriculturists (proponents), including clusters, to enhance their Value Chain Development in their outputs, processes under the ten sectors.
The major sectors and sub-sectors considered for grants are horticulture, spices, other foods and non-alcoholic beverages, fisheries, aquaculture, coconut - non-kernel, coconut - kernel-based products, medicinal and aromatics, livestock, agriculture machinery and equipment solutions.