Revolutionising Sri Lankan agriculture: Lassana’s pioneering initiative

Tuesday, 23 January 2024 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: Agriplast Protected Cultivation Vice President – Sales and Marketing Sumit Suman, Director – Sales and Marketing Abhishek Bhatt, Lassana Group Chairman Dr. Lasantha Malavige, Lassana Agri Innovations CEO Prasad Senadheera, and Horicultural inclusive Business Entrepreneur Joop Vegter

In a groundbreaking move, Lassana Agri Innovations is set to reshape modern agriculture in Sri Lanka, addressing issues like soaring prices, low quality, excessive chemical use, and vulnerability to climate change.

This transformative project involves providing farmers with state-of-the-art technology, greenhouses, and accessories, along with a buyback agreement to ensure guaranteed returns. The collaboration with Agriplast Protected Cultivation Ltd. is a significant milestone, making high-tech and mid-tech greenhouses more affordable for local farmers, entrepreneurs, and investors keen on transforming Sri Lanka’s agriculture.

Lassana Agri Invovation Chairman and founder and Lassana Group of Companies Chairman Dr. Lasantha Malavige said the primary objective of Lassana Agri is to uplift farmers from poverty by transitioning them to modern agriculture, providing predictive revenue models for securing financial support to expand production capacities. Therefore, the project strives to transfer technology and best agricultural practices, empowering farmers to produce high-quality, safe food at affordable prices for consumers.

Lassna said Sri Lankan consumers have long suffered from high prices and poor-quality produce. Despite paying more than neighbouring countries, farmers still grapple with poverty. Lassana Agri’s initiative seeks to break this cycle by addressing barriers to modern agriculture, especially the lack of affordable greenhouses. The partnership with Agriplast Protected Cultivation Ltd. opens doors to advanced greenhouse solutions, promising higher yields and safer food production.

With over 70 years of combined experience, Agriplast Protected Cultivation Ltd. has been a game-changer in the agricultural sector, assisting over 2.4 lakh farmers. Renowned for their top-notch protected farming products, including mulch films and greenhouse covers, Agriplast Protected Cultivation Ltd. has significantly increased crop yields and promoted sustainable farming practices. Their commitment to educating farmers aligns seamlessly with Lassana Agri’s vision.

Lassana Agri Innovations guides farmers in choosing the right technological solutions, offering advice, guidance, and support for higher yields. The company plans to launch a first-in-the-country incubation and knowledge-sharing centre for hi-tech farming at its 7-hectare greenhouse facility in Divulapitiya.

According to Lassana Agri Innovations CEO Prasad Senadeera, this centre will empower new entrants and farmer entrepreneurs, doubling the extent of greenhouse cultivation every two years over the next decade.

Lassana’s vision extends beyond technology introduction to encompass R&D, training, knowledge-sharing, and active involvement in streamlining the supply chain for consumer welfare. With strategic plans underway for a groundbreaking incubation centre and key partnerships, Lassana Agri is poised to lead Sri Lanka into a new era of modern, sustainable agriculture.