Ministry of Agriculture, Dept of Agriculture, Cargills launch ‘Save our Soil’

Friday, 20 June 2014 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Project towards promoting the correct usage of agriculture inputs for a prosperous and healthy nation

The Ministry of Agriculture and the Department of Agriculture in partnership with Cargills (Ceylon) PLC recently launched the ‘Save Our Soil’ Project in Welimada at the Cargills Fruit and Vegetable Collection Centre in Boralanda. The project functions under the theme, ‘Correct use of agriculture inputs towards a prosperous and healthy nation’. The ‘Save Our Soil’ project aims to contribute towards the protection of Sri Lanka’s soil and water resources and enhance agriculture productivity through the prudent use of agriculture inputs by educating the farming community.

Sustainable agriculture – Continuing where our forefathers left off Explaining the project, Secretary of Agriculture R.M.D.B. Meegasmulla said ‘Save Our Soil’ is a very important concept that reflects the responsibility of the current generation. “Our forefathers were environmentalists. They cultivated our land while preserving the soil for future generations through sustainable techniques of agriculture. Today it is clear we have neglected this duty causing a serious damage to the soil and water resources and compromising the good health of consumers. We plan to create awareness among the farming community that the usage of excess fertiliser does not increase profits, but it will pollute water, soil and create food-safety issues,” he said. Correct use of inputs enhances profits, preserves natural resources and ensures good health. As a first step the project would work towards determining the fertility level of a soil through regional soil tests facilitated by Cargills which would help to plan sound input programs for the crop lands. Director General of Agriculture Dr. Rohan Wijekoon noted, “Subsequently farmers would be educated to apply fertiliser based on the requirement determined through regional soil tests. We aim to convince farmers that the usage of fertiliser at the appropriate levels with correct timing will not only enhance profits but fulfill their social responsibility by not polluting the environment and cultivating safe products.”

He further stated that the launching of this program is a timely intervention as the whole world has recognised the importance of sustainable soil management and the United Nations has declared 2015 as the International Year of Soil. “Engaging the Cargills Farmer network across the island – soil tests and awareness programs are ongoing,” he added. Cargills Chief Operating Officer – Food Processing Delano Dias explained that the company’s close links with agriculture communities islandwide would ensure that the project is effective in achieving its objectives. “Our agriculture footprint covers every cultivation zone in the Country and our relationship with more than 10,000 fruit and vegetable farmers also means that we are in a position to influence a positive change where we can convert farmers towards more sustainable use of agri-inputs,” he said.

Already the Cargills agriculture extension field force has been trained in drawing soil samples which is now being carried out through its islandwide agriculture network including the Jaffna peninsula. Farmers connected to the Cargills value-chain are now being educated on the importance of soil preservation and protection and awareness programs are being conducted on-site. The event brought together more than 500 farmers and farmer organisations from the region and was also attended by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Department of Agriculture (DOA), Horticulture Research and Development Institute (HORDI), Provincial Directors, the Divisional Secretary and local community leaders.