‘Akshata’ NON-GMO Rice gets 550-acre exclusive zone
In an effort to meet the growing demand for ‘Akshata’ NON-GMO Rice tagged the ‘Healthiest Rice in the World’, a special zone of 550 acres of paddy land were exclusively demarcated for the growing of Akshata NON-GMO Rice varieties, also known as traditional rice in Sri Lanka.
This historic event was graced by Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera and Agriculture Deputy Minister Angajan Ramamanthan in the presence of over 400 farmers known as ‘Akshata Green Force Cluster 4’.
The minister stated: “We are extremely proud to sign an agreement with Grains ‘n’ Green Ltd for the growing of traditional NON-GMO Rice organically with no use of pesticides for local consumption and export, benefiting consumers and the country. We should be proud that such a company has come forward to help the nation increase if forex inflow by branding and introducing to the world indigenous Sri Lankan products.”
Ramamanthan, addressing the gathering said: “Akshata provides an opportunity for the farmers to earn three times the revenue which immensely benefits the farmers and the communities.”
Grains ‘n’ Green Ltd Managing Director Roshan Perera stated: “There is great potential in both the established and new markets for increased export growth of Akshata NON-GMO Rice. Just as Sri Lanka is famed for Pure Ceylon Tea, Akshata has positioned itself in the global arena as Pure Sri Lankan NONGMO Rice. The uniqueness of our rice varieties is that it has more anti-oxidants than green tea and as it has a low GI Index. Akshata Rice commands a premium price directly benefiting the farmers, with our policy of providing seeds and all other inputs free to the farmer. The end result is a happy farmer producing a quality product benefiting a health-conscious consumer.
He added: “The new zone is a welcome addition to the clusters spread throughout the country, which helps Akshata reach its goal of 5,000 acres by 2020 and thanked the minister for the confidence placed in the company.”