Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Mihintale, Sri Lanka
The inauguration ceremony of “SUSTAINABLE AGRO-FOOD PRODUCTION AND VALUE ADDITION MODEL FARM, RUSL” was held on 05th September 2022 in Block 03, Faculty of Agriculture Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Puliyankulama, Anuradhapura.
The ceremony was held with the participation of the Chancellor of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Etalawetunawawe Gnanathilaka Thero as the Chief Guest, Prof. (Mrs.) G.A.S. Ginigaddara, Vice Chancellor, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka as the Guest of Honour, Council member of Rajarata University of Sri Lanka ,Deans of Faculties and provincial and district officers of North Central Province, Academic and Non-academic staff, Students and Farmers of Bandarapuliyankulama.
The objective of the model farm is to provide food and fulfill the nutritional requirements of students, academic and non-academic staff of RUSL and neighbouring community at a reasonable price and to reduce the expenses on the food of students its first step and after a several steps of upliftment it might be developed to a self-sustainable model farm of the University catering to education and service provision to national and international community.
The first harvesting ceremony of this Sustainable Agricultural Project was held on 15.12.2022
The objective of the model farm to provide food and fulfill the nutritional requirements of students, academic and non-academic staff, and the neighboring community contributes to SDG 2 by promoting sustainable agro-food production and enhancing food security.
The model farm, being part of the university, contributes to SDG 4 by providing practical and experiential learning opportunities for students in the field of agriculture and agro-food production.
The model farm, if managed sustainably, can contribute to economic growth and decent work (SDG 8) by creating employment opportunities related to agriculture, food production, and value addition activities.
The model farm aligns with SDG 12 by promoting responsible consumption and production practices through sustainable agro-food production and value addition, with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of food production.
The sustainable practices implemented in the model farm contribute to SDG 15 by promoting sustainable land use and ensuring the health of terrestrial ecosystems.
The participation of various stakeholders, including the provincial and district officers, academic and non-academic staff, students, and farmers, reflects a partnership (SDG 17) between different sectors to achieve common goals related to sustainable agriculture and community development.
