The state as well as the private sector have been contributing towards agricultural development in the  Uva Province  since  2006. Accordingly, it was possible to enhance the promotion of marketing natural  bees honey by 425% in the Uva Province. Sri Lanka imports around  50-60 tons of bees honey and the  objective of this bees honey project is to increase the local production  to cater to 50% of the total requirements of the country. Promotion of  local vegetables and fruits such as  ash pumpkin, tomatoes, passion fruits and cucumber also will be undertaken under this project.

This programme of National Agribusiness Development Programme (NADeP)   is presently implemented in around 12 districts in the country, financial facilities for which is provided by the  International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). This programme is successfully implemented in the districts such as Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Badulla  etc.  Over 500 selected farmers are benefited under this programme where financial assistance is extended to purchase equipment  required for  infrastructure facilities such as  irrigation and  agricultural wells  etc.

National Agribusiness Development Programme is implemented under Divineguma Programme undertaken by the Ministry of Economic Development. Further, the farmers  in rural areas will be able to generate  heavy volumes of additional income through  Community Based Organizations.

The Memorandum of Understanding  envisaging state and private sector contribution towards uplifting  the farmer community was signed by Dr.Nihal Jayatilake, Secretary to the Ministry of Economic Development and the officials of  the two companies, Cargill’s Ceylon Limited and Ceylon Biscuits  Limited.

Minister Douglas Devananda, S.M.Chandrasena, Deputy Minister  Susantha Punchinilame and a host of state and private sector officials were present on this occasion.