Hayleys Agriculture dominates Agbiz Awards 2013

Monday, 2 September 2013 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hayleys Agriculture, the agribusiness division of the Hayleys conglomerate, once again dominated the Agbiz awards of the National Agribusiness Council, winning 10 awards including a record five Golds at the awards ceremony held on 26 August 2013 at the BMICH. The Chief Guest was Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Hayleys Agriculture has been consistently recognised for its outstanding contribution to agriculture in Sri Lanka and has been in the forefront of the country’s agricultural development. Managing Director Rizvi Zaheed said: “The awards won by Hayleys is recognition of this outstanding contribution and gives the company the impetus to constantly innovate transform agriculture in Sri Lanka.” Activities of Hayleys Agriculture cover the entire range from the provision of high quality inputs for modern and sustainable agriculture to the international marketing of high quality value added food and horticultural products. Hayleys had provided the grass roots level leadership through innovation and best practices in agriculture that has helped farmers and agribusinesses in Sri Lanka to achieve improved yields and enhanced incomes. The company is constantly researching and introducing appropriate and sustainable products and services to the entire agriculture community and has helped modernise and contribute to the development of all key areas in the agriculture, dairy and animal health sectors.

Hayleys Agriculture pioneered the introduction of hybrid flower seeds in Sri Lanka, developed commercial rain-water harvesting, researched and introduced high quality seeds and planting materials, provided the leadership for mechanisation of agriculture and is the only company to have successfully taken a wide a range of value-added agri and food products to important global markets. The Food Export division of Hayleys Agriculture accounts for over 47% of Sri Lanka’s exports of fruits and vegetables and is the only Sri Lankan company to have expanded to such a wide range of markets across the world with innovative and high value food products which has helped to significantly enhance the image and capability of the country as a producer of such high quality consumer and B2B products. The strong involvement of Hayleys Agriculture with the farming community through outgrower partnerships, agri extension services and with the country’s government and research agencies has given Hayleys a prominent place in the agriculture sector. With the aim of further contributing to the development of Sri Lankan farmer community, Hayleys Agriculture presented the first prize of a two-wheel tractor to the 1st prize winner of the Agbiz Farmer Awards. - Pix by Lasantha Kumara