FAO held an initial workshop this week with experts and stakeholders from the International Rice Research Institute, Manila (IRRI), the government, academia, agriculture scientists, civil society, and the private sector.

Attendees developed a roadmap to create an enabling environment and to increase farmer access to technology and skills required to boost paddy productivity.

Speaking to the attendees, the USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Gabriel Grau, noted, “Collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Private Sector, FAO, and USAID is more than about increasing food security in Sri Lanka.

Our combined long term objective is to transform Sri Lankan agriculture from subsidy-driven to market-based, private sector driven, competitive agriculture.

To achieve this, new technologies, more efficient systems, and the long term commitment of all stakeholders in the agriculture sector will be critical,”he said.