By Quintus Perera – Asian Tribune

Colombo, 23 June, (Asiantribune.com): United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has come in on a strong way to help the Eastern Province farmers with Post harvest machinery worth Rs 100 million to increase productivity under the accelerated development programme.

UNIDO Sri Lanka National Director, Nawaz Rajabdeen said that project is organized by UNIDO with the Ministry of Industrial Development as the main counter part and this farmer support programme is carried out through the Batticaloa and the Trincomalee Chamber of Commerce. 

The project is on sustainable livelihood recovery for conflict affected population in the East and through it  to improve the agricultural productivity and community based entrepreneurship. The project is funded by the Japanese Government with US $1.7 million. 

The second phase of the distribution of agricultural machinery took place in Trincomalee and Batticaloa. In addition to giving agricultural equipment, several training courses were also conducted for the farmers on the correct usage of equipment to obtain the best results. 

Mr Rajabdeen said that they are  planning to train the youth in the area on repairing tractors, water pumps. There will also be training courses on machinery repair and maintenance of equipment and once the youth complete these training courses they could embark on self-employment as a part of livelihood programme of the province. 

Mrs Katheeswaran Additional Government Agent Batticaloa was the Chief Guest at the award of these agricultural implements while Mr Suntharesan, President of Batticaloa Chamber of commerce, Project Coordinater, Mr Suntharesan and Mr Sarath Abeyasundare project coordinators; and Project Manager, UNIDO Mr Charathsandaran  were also present at the occasion. 

 -     Asian Tribune -

Courtesy: asiantribune.com