Akshata distributes 10,000 kg of low-GI, non-GMO paddy seeds

Akshata, a brand of local rice in its drive to increase low- GI Rice varieties that are high in antioxidants with medical properties, has expanded its farmer base by eight fold, distributing 10,000 kg of paddy seed free of charge and benefitting 200 new farmers.

The project would enable these farmers to earn three times the revenue they would have otherwise earned by harvesting chemically dependent hybrid varieties of rice. The new clusters of farmers will grow Akshata non- GMO rice varieties strictly chemical-free. It would allow farmers to earn much higher revenue per acre as a result of the exclusivity of the rice and its niche health- conscious consumer base, the company owning the brand said in a media release.

Roshan Perera, entrepreneur, social activist and Managing Director of Grains and Green which owns the Akshata brand, said: “People across the world are becoming more and more conscious about what they eat, we see great opportunity because, we as a company internalised ‘ Purity’ as a core value from its inception and our foray into organic foods for both local and international markets.”

He added, “We are constantly evolving and changing the portfolio of Akshata to offer the best to the ever changing preferences of the consumers. Grains and Green today is in the transition stage of being a rice company to a healthy food company. More than ever the consumer today knows the importance of healthy foods and makes a very conscious and informed choice of healthy foods.”

Farmers face many challenges with the lack of proper machinery, flooding and proper drainage facilities. Given these circumstances, there is a need to provide opportunities and create a system for more suitable rice- paddy cultivation to enhance the productivity of high- quality rice seeds.

This project aims to improve the access to expertise and advisory services for rice farmers, and improve the unit crop from rice paddy transplant production by 20 per cent, specifically concentrating on increasing the production of exclusive traditional rice in Sri Lanka, the company said.