Minister of Agriculture visits SADP families in Weligama

Friday, 26 September 2014 01:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena recently visited several families enrolled under the Sustainable Agriculture Development Program (SADP) in Weligama to inspect the progress made since his previous visit. During his visit, the minister also attended two meetings in Borala and Denipitiya, where he addressed beneficiaries of SADP and appreciated the program’s contribution to uplift the lives of the people in the area. He also urged beneficiaries to make the most of SADP’s offering. He went on to reiterate the importance of organic agriculture and its role in the national agriculture development drive under programs such as ‘ApiWawamu – Rata Nagamu’ and ‘Divi Neguma’. Commenting on the project, Minister Abeywardena said: “The Sustainable Agriculture Development Program promotes the use of organic agriculture practices by raising awareness on the effects of using chemical fertilisers and pesticides. I strongly support its endeavour in encouraging families to organically grow their own food wherever possible, leading them towards financial independence while improving their nutritional standards.” The Minister also distributed large water storage vessels to all 400 families in Borala and Denipitya areas during hisvisit. In the Matara District alone, SADP has touched the lives of over 1,200 families residing in Malinboda, Hakmana, Kananke, Jayawickramapura, Borala and Denipitiya areas. The volunteer families are enrolled in the program for a period of 30 months during which they are introduced to home gardening and animal husbandry. SADP guides beneficiaries to improve their nutrition levels, generate livelihoods and ultimately, achieve self-sustainability. It also acts toempower women, enrich the environment and maximise land utilisation.

As the flagship CSR program of Ceylon Tobacco Company PLC (CTC), SADP is founded on the philosophy of: ‘Helping those who are willing to help themselves’. The program has become an integral factor in enhancing the lives of rural villagers living below the poverty line. Characteristics such as voluntary registration, no cash-handouts and the increment of input based on the commitment of beneficiaries to rise above the poverty level have made SADP stand out as one of the most unique CSR initiatives in the country.