Hayleys Agriculture Training School conducts farmer training programs in Welimada

Representing world-renowned multinational companies such as Bayer Crop Science – Germany, BASF – Germany, Corteva AgroSciences – USA and global seed companies such as  Den Hartigh – Netherlands, Hayleys Agriculture plays a pivotal role in contributing to the country’s efforts to enhance food security in a sustainable manner. 

In addition to providing the agriculture sector with up to date, cutting edge agri inputs, Hayleys Agriculture Sector as the largest agri inputs provider to Sri Lanka’s agriculture industry has the onus to encourage the best use of agri inputs and technology to thousands of farmers regularly through its farmer extension services. 

Enhancing the knowledge of farmers on the use of crop protection solutions safely and efficiently is considered as pivotal to Hayleys Agriculture. The COVID -19 pandemic did not deter or hinder the agriculture experts at Hayleys Agriculture in continuing with their training programs for farmers. With the onset of the season a practical training program on safe and efficient use of Crop Protection Products for farmers in Nahakadiya, Welimada was conducted on 31 July. 

Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd. Managing Director Jayanthi Dharmasena commended the staff for working tirelessly during the country’s COVID-19 lockdown: “I am so proud of my team who stepped out to ensure that agri inputs are available for crop establishment and the country doesn’t miss out on the Yala season. Our entire team of Field and Technical Officers were in constant touch with our farmers to ensure that their issues are addressed swiftly and to encourage them to continue farming activities during this difficult period. 

“It is imperative that we continue training and imparting knowledge on global good practices for best results. COVID-19 health guidelines had to be adhered to, hence we couldn’t have pocket gatherings during this time but instead, we met farmers one-to-one. However, we wanted to be ready with our structured training when the health regulations were eased and where pocket meetings could be conducted adhering to laiddown health regulations. With this in mind the Hayleys Agri Extension Team together with the Hayleys Agriculture Training School (HATS) designed several training programs for different parts of the island.”

As soon as the lockdown was relaxed the Hayleys Agriculture Team went into top gear to conduct a training program on the safe use of crop protection products so essential to minimise crop damages and constraints in receiving a bountiful harvest.

The training program on ‘Safe and Efficient Use of Crop Protection Products’ conducted by Hayleys Agriculture Training School (HATS) team on 31 July at Nahakadiya, Welimada for vegetable and potato farmers consisted of practical demonstrations of how to wear and remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) appropriately and the safety precautions that should be taken when using crop solutions in spray tanks for their crops. The efficient use of crop protection products was very much part of the agenda of the full day’s program. 

“Farmers are often accused of the excessive use of agrochemicals because of the false perception that if more agrochemicals are used, quantity-wise, that they would get better results. We at Hayleys Agriculture regularly conduct training programs among farmers to demonstrate the correct and efficient use of crop protection solutions to ensure not only the safety aspect in handling but also to avoid waste of resources and harm to the environment,” Dharmasena stated.