MOU established with Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project

The Lanka Fruit and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association (LFVPPEA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Agriculture Sector Modernisation Project (ASMP) on November 27 in Jaffna.

ASMP is a World Bank Project under the Ministry of Agriculture with wide objectives within the Sri Lankan agricultural field. Acknowledging the intention of the two parties in establishing a framework for co-operation and mutual assistance in modernizing agriculture in the country, believing that such co-operation would achieve the aim of facilitating the technical exchange of knowledge, establishment of “Nucleus Estates”, engagement with farmer beneficiaries of the ASMP, of tropical fresh fruits, namely bananas, mangoes, papayas, MD-2 pineapples and white guava, which are known as the targeted fruits in the project. The effective export promotion and marketing of the targeted fruits will improve the exports of such fruits.

The main objectives of this project are,

Increase in production of the targeted fruits through improved agricultural productivity and quality – with a specific focus on exports

Develop and implement a Nucleus Estate (explained in note 1) concept for commercial growers within the LFVPPEA to work together with groups of out-growers made up of ASMP farmer beneficiaries grouped in ASMP Clusters.

Introduce modern pack houses to improve product quality and reduce post-harvest losses of the targeted fruits in the ASMP Districts only.

To improve quality and safety of the available production of the targeted fruits.

To provide linkages between Producers, members of the LFVPPEA, and International Buyers of the targeted fruits.

To facilitate exports by sea freight of the targeted fruits.