SLIM innovates with first agri business management and entrepreneurial program

Project Chair Charaka Perera

SLIM President Roshan Fernando

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently unveiled the country’s first agri entrepreneurship program in transforming today’s farmers into tomorrow’s agripreneurs, a revolutionary step towards strengthening the Sri Lankan economy and to build 21st Century agricultural mindsets. 

For the very first time in Sri Lanka six collaborative partners; Agripreneurs Forum, Federation of Sri Lanka Local Government Authority, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Smallholder Agriculture partnership program and the Export Development Board joined hands with SLIM to build an elemental force to bridge the knowledge gap of the agriculture sector. 

Five strategic partners; Mobitel, Keells, SDB Bank, Samaposha, CBL and Onish Agriculture joined forces to strengthen its national rollout strategy under mobile and technology, retail, banking, CSR and agri sector partnerships respectively.

The Certificate in Agri Business and Entrepreneurship (CABE) program is also the first of its kind qualification available in Sri Lanka. The colourful grand launch took place with the patronage of Export Development Board Chairman Suresh De Mel, Public Economic Attache Andrea Bacarini, and Global Strategic Sustainability Ltd. Chairman Dr. Ravi Fernando, who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour respectively. 

Agriculture is often seen as the backbone of the local economy even today. While Sri Lanka is rapidly urbanising and shifting towards a service-economy, the country remains largely rural, and agriculture is still seen as an industry with a massive potential. In a lush tropical climate agriculture takes deep root and once brought Sri Lanka fame as the Granary of the East. Therefore, reaffirming SLIM’s commitment to strengthening the national economy and reviving local industries, the institute introduced this latest professional qualification. 

CABE is a three-month qualification conducted in all three languages and the course is delivered through a blended approach—onsite and online sessions depending on the nature of the module. The onsite sessions will be carried out in the Uva and Central Provinces as required. Furthermore, the course consists of 11 modules, which will be delivered in the form of interactive learning sessions and practical assignments. 

Agriculture is connected and affected by many swirling forces of change like weather fluctuations, scarce natural resources and volatile commodity markets than most other industries, yet, it is also the lifeblood of the economy. CABE offers the ideal learning experience for aspiring local entrepreneurs who have an insatiable appetite for innovation in the agricultural industry. The course covers the most important areas needed to pursue an agriculture-based venture, including Agri Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture Finance, Legal Frameworks, People Management as well as Smart Agriculture. If you are an entrepreneur ready to take a leap of faith to build a thriving agri business, CABE is your stepping stone towards success. 

Commenting on the launch of CABE, SLIM President Roshan Fernando stated, “SLIM is committed to empowering local entrepreneurs to propel the national economy. Most importantly, we strive to strengthen local entrepreneurs and give them wings to reach the pinnacle of success so that they can become an invaluable asset to the national economy.” 

“Agriculture is a mirror image of the prosperity and self-sufficiency of a nation. We believe that a fortified agriculture sector has the potential to lead the nation to the developed status as all of us wish. With the sustainable agriculture know-how gifted by our ancestors and our fertile soil, this island nation is meant to be a global leader contributing to tomorrow’s food requirement. Transforming our farmers’ commodity mindset to a 21st century value added mindset by cultivating the skill sets to compete in upstream international markets is the need of the hour. CABE will bridge this knowledge gap by providing the foundation to build professionals in agriculture with a 21st century curriculum. Farmers as well as agri business owners will be developed as Agripreneurs who will be equipped with knowledge, skills and competencies to capture Global opportunities in the industry,” said Agri Saviya National Initiative Project Chair Charaka Perara. 

SLIM is the national body for marketing in Sri Lanka and has been promoting marketing excellence and elevating the status of marketing since 1970. The Institute is a member of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL), Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA), and Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL). SLIM also has received ISO 9001:2015 certification in recognition of its superior quality management system and ISO 2990:2010 for Learning Service Provider (LSP), providing non- formal education and training services.