JICA SUPPORT FOR GOOD AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has extended its support to the consultative workshop on the “Development of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Strategy for Fruit and Vegetables in Sri Lanka”. It was joined by the Department of National Planning (NPD) and the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs.

The participants were from the NPD, Department of Agriculture, private sector, academia and other relevant agencies.

The agricultural sector in Sri Lanka is in urgent and increasing need to assure safe and quality agricultural foods for local consumers and to access global market opportunities by meeting the safety and quality standards of international requirements. GAP, which is a guaranteed certified system, is an ideal standard to prove the proper use of agrochemicals and minimizing negative impacts to the human health and environment.

In consultation with Ministry of Agriculture and Provincial Departments of Agriculture and other relevant agencies, NPD and JICA have conducted a capacity building programme in Thailand for government officials as a part of the series of activities to promote GAP.

JICA’S Agriculture Adviser to NPD, Dr. Shinga Kimura highlighted the importance of adopting strategic approaches to promote GAP in Sri Lanka.

He said its multidimensional nature required strong policy initiatives, restructuring of GAP certification process and value chain development for GAP certified producers in Sri Lanka.

Top officials including NPD Director General S.S. Mudalige, Additional Director General of Agriculture Department, Amal Arunapriya, JICA and JICA Representative in Sri Lanka, Moe Negishi were also among those who attended the programme.