Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
In order to strengthen the services provided by the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka for promoting organic Agriculture, a discussion was held on 17th February 2022 with Honorable State Minister of Promoting the Production & Regulating the Supply of Organic Fertilizer, and Paddy and Grain, Organic Food, Vegetables, Fruits, Chilies, Onion, and Potato Cultivation Promotion, Seed Production and Advanced Technology Agriculture of Agriculture Mr. Shasheendra Rajapaksha, and Prof. Sanjeewanie Ginigaddara the Vice-Chancellor of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in presence of Deans of faculties of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, University academics, Representatives of Sri Lanka Standard Institute, Sri Lanka Fertilizer Secretariat.
This was help at the National Institute of Post Harvest Management, Anuradhapura.
Discussions were lead on expanding present organic input analysis capacities from the University and uplifting the existing analytical laboratories of the university as a short-term measure. It was also discussed to establish a Central Analytical Laboratory for this purpose with all necessary equipment at the Rajarata University premises targeting long-term research for staff and students of the university and providing community services for the whole country. The honorable minister was glad to hear that Rajarata University has been initiating a postgraduate degree program on Agroecology, short courses on Organic farming and Bio Fertilizer Production and he appreciated the works carried out by the university so far. The importance of promoting seed production using novel technologies was also discussed in detail. Prof. Sanjeewani Ginigaddara, the vice-chancellor of the university expressed the willingness to support the organic agriculture program of the country highlighting the importance of changing the conventional practices in agriculture to sustainable green agriculture for the betterment of the future generations in the nation.
Promoting organic agriculture contributes to SDG 2 by fostering sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, which can enhance food security and promote access to nutritious food.
Initiatives such as the postgraduate degree program on Agroecology and short courses on Organic farming and Bio Fertilizer Production contribute to SDG 4 by providing quality education and training opportunities related to sustainable agriculture.
The discussions on seed production using novel technologies and the establishment of a Central Analytical Laboratory at Rajarata University premises highlight efforts to enhance economic growth and promote decent work within the agricultural sector.
The emphasis on expanding organic input analysis capacities, improving analytical laboratories, and establishing a Central Analytical Laboratory demonstrates a commitment to industry, innovation, and infrastructure development (SDG 9) in the field of agriculture.
The promotion of organic agriculture aligns with SDG 12 by encouraging responsible consumption and production practices that are environmentally sustainable and minimize negative impacts on ecosystems.
Sustainable agricultural practices, particularly those related to organic farming and agroecology, contribute to SDG 15 by promoting the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
The collaboration between Rajarata University and various stakeholders, including the Honorable State Minister, Deans of faculties, and representatives from standard institutes and fertilizer secretariats, reflects a commitment to partnerships (SDG 17) for achieving common goals related to sustainable agriculture.
