CIC wins national award for innovative agriculture research work
CIC Holdings PLC was adjudged the winner of the most innovative research in non-plantation agriculture sector by the Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) at a ceremony held at Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) Colombo recently.
The awarding ceremony followed a competition organized by the SLCARP in a bid to recognize exceptional contributions made by individuals and organizations in public and private sectors in the field of agriculture research.
NGOS, private sector organizations, scientists, research institutions, departments and universities participated in the competition which awarded high flyers under three distinct categories namely plantation agriculture and forestry, non-plantation agriculture as well as livestock and fisheries. The SLCARP the apex body that spearheads agriculture research in Sri Lanka conducted this competition after calling application for research project conducted in Sri Lanka within last three years. CIC emerged the winner of the non-plantation agriculture category winning a cash prize of Rs. 200,000.
Operating a versatile and highly diversified Agri business in the country CIC Agri Businesses has ventured into agriculture research and development (R&D) since 2006 and has developed superior quality rice to the local and export markets. CIC won the first prize in recognition of its three premier rice varieties developed and marketed namely fragrant red basmati, CIC white basmati and CIC purple mix. These rice varieties are not only pleasantly aromatic, but also contain low Glycemic Index that makes them ideal for health conscious individuals, especially those suffering from diabetes or those concerned over controlling sugar levels in their diet. Rice R&D work of CIC Agri business is supervised by Dr. Sumith Abeysiriwardena, Research consultant of the company. CIC Agri business has now expanded its R&D activities for vegetable sector as well and expect to release to the market a couple of high yielding vegetable hybrids in the near future.