CIC Agribusinesses (CICAB) will set up a dairy sector in the eastern province and increase egg, fruit, and vegetable production this year. 'We will also introduce seed coating technology for the first time in Sri Lanka' said CICAB Managing Director/CEO, Keerthi B. Kotagama. He said the technology will provide benefits to farmers by protecting seedling from pests and diseases at the early stages, thus giving rise to healthy plants and more yields." We will also focus on more rice exports as there will be an excess production this year.

CICAB exports to Australia, Canada, USA and is currently exploring the possibilities to commence exports to Europe.

CICAB will invest on value addition to agri- based products such as rice,flour, packed foods, milk products, fruit and vegetable and grain storage to support farmers.

"We have commenced jojnt ventures with Bangladesh, Qatar and UAE for agricultural production which will focus expanding overseas agri-business.We have already set up four agri extension services centres in Thirunvelli, Kilinochchi, Vavuniya and Vellankulam in the North and two in the East.

We have also initiated a red onion seed production program with outgrower farmers.

We have commenced a maize production program in the North with 1000 farmers and seed paddy production with100 farmers", Kotagama said.

"CICAB will set up a storage and purchasing centre for rice and grain in the North next year. We have initiated a vegetable seed production program in the Vellankulam farm and provided employment.to over 150 people.

The company plans to set up a grape vineyard on a 100- acre land in Kilinocchi to start a Vinery in 2 014. Sri Lanka has resources that are needed for agriculture such as soil, water and human capital but still far behind the productivity levels that of other Asian countries and the world due to the lack of innovative technologies and professional management. Seventy percent of our population live in rural areas where 90 percent of them are dependent on agriculture for a livelihood", he said.

Agriculture development is a must to alleviate rural poverty and the development of other sectors such as industrial and service sectors is also vital.

It also provides food security as the world is experiencing a food scarcity due to the increasing population and climatic calamities. Published by HT Syndication with permission from Sunday Observer (Sri Lanka).

Source: World-Grain