Sri Lanka has an Agri- Economy consisting of small holder farmers,
non existence of a independent collective voice for these farmers have led
to the politicization of policy formulation and regulatory mechanisms. This
has lead to the comparative economic decline of farmer communities and the
weakening of the primary link of the agri-foods supply chain in Sri Lanka
affecting the sustainability of the rural economy.
The National Agribusiness Council (NAC) created in the year 2000 as the apex body for the private sector in agribusiness has launched an initiative to address the sustainable development of the countries Rural Economy .Acting on the request of its member associations to organize a formal structure for this vast unorganized sector NAC’s primary aim is giving the farmer community a structured and unified voice devoid of politics.
The Primary objective of the NAC is to create a conducive environment for the private sector to interact with farmer communities. It is also felt that with this organized approach that the NAC could facilitate Corporate Sri Lanka to invest further in the rural economy of the country. With the creation of a structured access it is hoped that the vast informal sector in Agriculture will get an opportunity to make sustainable links with the formal sector.
THE VISION
“To make Sri Lanka a Competitive & sort after Global supplier of
High Quality Agricultural produces by 2015”.
MISSION
To create a competitive National Agri-Economy with
equal benefits to all stakeholders.
Objectives
1. A Strong & United Voice for Farming Communities by unifying regional
farmer organizations.
2. Compliment traditional agriculture practices through introduction of new
technology and Global best practices.
3. Harness the full capacity and strengths of the state and formal private
sector for the development of the national Agri-economy
4. Ensure sustainability of Agribusiness through the preservation of land,
management of water resources and protection of the Environment
5. To encourage rural youth to consider Agri-Business as a gainful profession
6. To focus the consumer on issues facing the farmer community.
7. To create a strong farmer organization devoid of politics.
The NAC has organized farmer Councils in ten regions this
year (20070 these are in Puttlum, Monaragla, Gampaha, Mattale, Kandy, Galle,
Hambanthota, Ampara , Kurunegala and Badulla. NAC together with the help of
member organizations has formulated an action plan with incentives to get
more and more farmers to join the councils. The intend of NAC is to organize
farmers all over the country to different farmer councils devoid of any political
influence and collectivize this informal but crucial sector. The existing
regional farmer councils participated at the inauguration of the farmer federation
where the smooth operation of the Regional councils and their secretariats
will result in efficient delivery of benefits to the farming communities in
these regions. This in Return will drive membership expansion resulting in
a sizable impact in the development of the rural value chain.
The following Incentive & services are offered to Member farmers of Regional
Councils.
1. Discount for agriculture inputs supplied by business partners
2. Act as an information centre for pest and disease control management
3. Production management and information center for better returns
4. Conduct training programs as and when they are required
5. Focal point to direct issues faced by the farmers to the national level
6. Provide Volunteers from the Private sector Partner organizations to drive
enterprise development
7. Create Marketing Links with Member organizations.
The each council will be operating from a office equipped with a computer and motorbike which will be managed by a coordinator selected from the area by the farmer council. The activities will be coordinated by NAC office in Kotte.