India and Sri Lanka enhance technical collaboration in agriculture, animal husbandry

India and Sri Lanka are working together to strengthen collaboration in the areas of agriculture and animal husbandry. 

In this regard, Indian High Commission First Secretary (Technical Cooperation) Dr. Sushil Kumar recently visited National Livestock Development Board (NLDB) Cattle Farm in Polonnaruwa and National Institute of Post-Harvest Management (NIPHM), Anuradhapura. 

At NLDB, a meeting was organised with the support of the Chairman Dr. M.P.S. Magamage. 

Dr. Kumar met NLDB Deputy Chairman A.P. Sumansiri and General Manager of the farm A.M.P.A. Adikari, and discussed bilateral collaboration for the improvement of livestock to increase milk productivity.

Dr. Kumar also visited National Institute of Post-Harvest Management (NIPHM), Anuradhapura on 11 July. A meeting with scientist and engineers was organised with the support of NIPHM Chairman Prof. W.A.P. Weerakkody. 

NIPHM focuses on research on processing of paddy seeds, sesame and post-harvest processing of mango, banana and papaya fruits. 

During the meeting both sides discussed cooperation in training/capacity building of engineers/scientists of Sri Lanka working in the area of post-harvest technology viz. grain storage systems, value addition technologies for tuber crops, spice processing technologies, etc. Eng. D.M.S.P. Bandara, Eng Ruwanka and Eng. Bandara Dissanayake and many researchers were also present during the meeting. 

Indian High Commission said a work plan for the years 2017-19 between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the Sri Lanka Council of Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) signed under the MOU on cooperation in the field of Agricultural Research and Education has been extended till December. 

The work plan includes training, study visits, collaborative research projects, etc. in the areas of agriculture machinery, seed technology, crop production improvement techniques, post-harvest technology, plant genetic conservation and exchange of germplasms, pest control, biotechnology, ICT for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, etc. Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) capacity building program, Sri Lankan officials and scientists have participated in short-term trainings in the areas of Sustainable Agricultural Strategies for Rural Development and Fertiliser Quality Control.