Northern farmers rejuvenated with Ag-Biz North

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The first ever, agricultural exposure fair for the Northern Province ‘Ag-Biz North’ was conducted very successfully from 26 to 28 July 2013, at the Central College Grounds, Kilinochchi. Ag Biz North was the third rural agricultural exhibition organised by the National Agribusiness Council and the theme of the exhibition was

“Reawakening the North”. The event was supported by Practical Action and USAID. The Ministry of Agriculture endorsed the event. Northern Province Governor Major General (Retd) G.A. Chandrasiri RWP VSV USP was the Chief Guest at the event. Govt. Agent -Kilinochchi District R. Ketheeswaran, Commander Security Forces (Kilinochchi) Major General Udaya Perera and many distinguished invitees graced the occasion. More than 65 agri related stalls with seed and planting materials, fertiliser and agro chemicals, tissue culture plants, agricultural machinery and equipment, processed food, dairy products, fishing boats and equipment, dairy equipment, financial institutions and new agri technologies and services were showcased at the event. Almost all stake holders in the agri business chain took part at the exhibition. Both private and Government sectors joined hands for this grand event held according to the “Mahinda Chinthana” vision. Many

Government departments and corporations extended their advisory services at the exhibition. There were more than 130 stalls inclusive of a KIeTF exhibition area. Ag Biz North was an unforgettable experience for the Northern community after the three-decade conflict and was a great opportunity for the Northern farmers to grab the latest agri technologies. It was a good experience for all stake holders of agri business chain and a platform was created to meet the Northern farmers to introduce their products and services. Nearly 20,000 people visited the exhibition and organisers were able to sponsor special bus services from various parts of the Northern Province to bring farmers to the exhibition. A large number of school children visited the exhibition and the organiser’s objective was to convey the message on high tech farming to next generation of the North. Secretary National Agri Business council Rohitha Nanayakkara said that the National Agribusiness Council is willing to give a helping hand and facilitate services to any agricultural development project in the Northern Province. He also said the objective of introducing new agri technologies to the Northern farmers was accomplished by the Ag Biz North exhibition and it was another successive milestone achievement of the National Agribusiness Council with the collaboration of Practical Action and USAID. It is remarkable to highlight the immense assistance received from the Security Forces Headquarters (Killinochchi) to make this event a success.