Sri Lanka is in an economic, ecological and social crisis. The lack of foreign exchange and the island state’s high level of debt have made chemical production resources such as fertilizer and pesticides more expensive and scarce for the farmers. At the same time, the high levels of these substances in the environment and in food have also led to an increase in human diseases.
That is why it is important to switch to ecological production methods. In order to implement this transition sustainably, it is advisable to approach the topic from different perspectives. The farmers have to be trained in how to produce organic fertiliser, how to improve soil fertility and how to deal with plant diseases without using chemical pesticides. In addition, the advisers from the agricultural offices also need appropriate training in order to advise the farmers appropriately.
And it is also essential that there are marketing channels that allow producers fair prices. Raising awareness among the population is also necessary. All these are the activities that this project addresses. The focus is on the staple food rice. The traditional rice varieties have a high health value, are more resistant to drought and are very suitable for organic cultivation.
The project is mainly located in the south-east of Sri Lanka; in Monaragala, Hambantota and Ampara districts. The activities take place in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture and are carried out by the partners LOAM (Lanka Organic Agriculture Movement) and the research company Die Agronauten with the support of the Schöck Family Foundation.
Project sponsor: Research Society Die Agronauten eV
Project partner: Lanka Organic Agriculture Movement (LOAM)
Funding year: since 2021
Project No.: 128-21 A