The Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project (ASMP) conducted its second awareness program in the Central region for those involved in agriculture-based farming, production, manufacturing for value addition and export.
The workshop was held at the Plant Genetics Resource Centre, Gannoruwa, Kandy last week. Over 35 people were present.
Project Director Rohana Gamage presided and ASMP Regional Matching Grant Manager Udula Bandara, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist Nirosha Nissanka and Value Chain Specialist Vajira Perera also addressed the session. Officers of the Kandy Regional Office of the Export Development Board and two deputy directors of the Sri Lanka Standards Institute addressed the participants on the export market, procedure and quality management.
ASMP, a World Bank funded project, began awarding grants in 2016-2017 and functions under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture and State Ministry for Development of Minor Crops including Sugarcane, Maize, Cashew, Pepper, Cinnamon, Cloves, Beetle related Industries and Export Promotion.
As of now, the ASMP has awarded Rs. 798 million to 59 prospective agriculturists in the region, including clusters, to enhance value in their output and processes.