CELEBRATING ORGANIC FARMING-MAHASANGRAM SRILANKA
Celebrating Organic Farming Awareness Project by Mahasangram took to the heights of enthusiasm as we the SriLankan team began our research and discussion on organic farming under the guidance of Sangram, our head from India.
As the discussion began, was a sudden play (conversation) between members showing how SriLanka is famous for coco peat. This dialogue was a portrait of a agriculture company from Africa conversing with Srilankan farmer to obtain coco peat as a use for organic farming.
With this we began to study available research resources, share and arrive at conclusions regarding various aspects of organic farming.
Some main takeaways are;
“In an era where Sri Lanka is facing boundless health problems, moving forward an organic concept might be one solution for a healthy and sustainable future” (CKDu & Glyphosat Sri Lanka)
Organic farming helps in conserving the environment. It has very strong advocacy arm that fights for sustainable system of farming that tries to replicate nature as closely as possible.
Due the to the pandemic many farmers have adapted to organic agriculture and are practicing own methods of compost materials. The unavailability of chemical fertilisers and pesticides has driven this change.
Many programmes, projects such as Peace Winds America have supported SriLanka in educating farmers and training them to practice organic farming.
Challenges in organic farming: High cost, low yield.
Organic Farming in Srilanka.
Much of the agricultural sector of Sri Lanka has become dependent on agricultural chemicals. Fertilizers, pesticides, and growth regulators are widely used because of the increasing demand for food quantity, rather than quality, from a limited land area.
Recently, however, interested individuals have developed organic farming units. These have been established from accumulated knowledge on the benefits of organic farming, and because of increasing demand for export of organically-grown products.
These units which are scattered in the wet zone are considered negligible in the agricultural sector, since productivity is somewhat less than the traditional farming units which use agricultural chemicals.
Exports of organically-grown agricultural products to the western world are increasing. Vegetables, fruits, and spices grown without fertilizers and pesticides bring premium prices, thereby enhancing the economic viability of these production units.
Nevertheless, the lack of research and extension programs on organic farming is the principal constraint to the development of productive and profitable organic farming in Sri Lanka. (Extract from research report by U.R. Sangakkara and S. Katupitiya)
Some conclusions and judgements we arrived at;
Wit innovation developing at a rapid rate with the regeneration of the world, we see that agriculture has helped humans and been an essential aspect of humans survival. But with time and especially colonization impacts and with industrializaton the organic sense in farming has completely or partially wiped out and especially the youth has seen the impacts of it. Ignorance of organic agricultural methods and its main aspects contribution towards one’s immunity has portrayed immensely. Petiyage is a great example of youth farming leader. He portrayed to the society how does organic farming and its potential towards youth plays an impact on present life.
Some conclusions and judgements we arrived at;
Wit innovation developing at a rapid rate with the regeneration of the world, we see that agriculture has helped humans and been an essential aspect of humans survival. But with time and especially colonization impacts and with industrializaton the organic sense in farming has completely or partially wiped out and especially the youth has seen the impacts of it. Ignorance of organic agricultural methods and its main aspects contribution towards one’s immunity has portrayed immensely. Petiyage is a great example of youth farming leader. He portrayed to the society how does organic farming and its potential towards youth plays an impact on present life.
Medias should encourage public in consuming organic food, engaging in organic farming without presenting mere information and challenges of farmers if organic farming is practiced.
Governments should encourage and support individuals in implementing these organic agriculture practices gradually.
Organic farming and consumption is necessary to build up healthy lifestyle whilst conserving and protecting the earth too.
Further we were able to share about organic tea production in SriLanka as one of the most income generation source and production of healthy beverage. And also know about the vast organic farming in India.
This programme helped us explore, research and gain a vast knowledge on the subject. Hope this drives us for a cause of change by engaging in the smaller contribution steps to larger projects and programmes that aims in upgrading organic farming.
Special thanks SANGRAM SANTOSH SALGAR from INDIA for sharing much information and insights on this project.
Team SriLanka;
Jemima Uthayakumar
Hewage Gavindhu Kavisha Ambawatte
