This division acts in respect of sponsoring the implementation of research projects related to field of agriculture technology and natural resource management. Further, taking actions to achieve progress while coordinating such projects, and strengthening legal framework related to agriculture while regulating Agricultural Acts are under its purview. This division is under the supervision of Additional Secretary (Agro Technology) and consisted with two sub divisions.

Services

1. Production and development of food crop varieties, receiving proposals on researches and projects to increase the productivity,            granting provisions, financial administration, progress review, and follow-ups

2. Strengthening the legal framework related to field of agriculture and proceed relevantly

3. Intervention to regulate food crops related import-export activities and advisory intervention for quarantine activities

4. Fulfillment of activities related to implementation of researches and projects on post-harvest technology

5. Extending supports to relevant institutes in respect of agricultural surveys and supply of information

6. Fulfillment of responsibilities assigned to Ministry of Agriculture on Natural Resource Management and Environmental Conservation

7. Performing administrative activities related to pest control and pesticides and granting legal provisions

8.Taking actions to protect Jack, Breadfruit, and Palmyra trees by proceeding in accordance with Falling Trees (Control) Act

9.Support activities related to increase of soil nutrition and integrated plant nutrition systems

10.Implementation of projects related to soil tests and recommendations of fertilizers

11.Meeting the requirements to regulate the proceedings to increase the quality of seeds and planning materials

12.Building relationships with foreign countries and international agencies and maintaining the relationships as beneficial for both parties.

13.Providing information related to International Trade Agreements in the purview of International Trades and coordinating those endeavors relevant to field of Agriculture

14.Development of projects under public-private partnership

15.Regulating imports of agro inputs and machineries favorably to local agricultural technology and economy.

Sub divisions:

1. Agriculture Technology

          Telephone: - 0112887423 / 0112878674

          Fax: - 0112878674

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This division is administered under the supervision of the Director (Agro Technology)

Duties and responsibilities

Programs in process  

1.      Research projects supervised and facilitated under National Food Production Program

  Projects being implemented by Department of Agriculture in the year 2018

·         Provision of facilities to Research Station of Paranthan to increase the production of quality seeds in Northern Province

·         Development of suitable planting materials and seed film coating

·         Improvement of environmentally friendly pest control systems

·         Increase the availability of quality seeds and planting materials

·         Use of quality fertilizers for food crops

·         Development of BIPM method for major diseases and pest control

Research projects implemented by the Institute of Post-Harvest Technology

·         Production of a food preservative using extracts of  Cinnamon and Nutmeg oils

·         Use of prebiotic potentials of food fiber and resistant starch of traditional rice varieties in Sri Lanka for food industry

·         Effects of juice of citrus leaves on insect pests and quality of stored maize seeds

·         Improvement of hyper-cold preservation process (carrots, beans, beet root)

·         Design and produce an utensil to stream frozen gas for mango cooling

·         Study of the impact of pre-treatments to extend the post-harvest quality and storage period of mango crop

·         Identify and develop methodologies to increase post-harvest life and quality of lotus flowers

·         Use of biological pests to control post-harvest diseases of mango

·          “Analysis of potential use of geological equipment to increase the reliability of mango supply chain” -  A case study with              mango         collectors of Omaragolla

·        Evaluation of effectiveness of hydro cooling and vacuum packaging techniques for fresh fruits preservation (Guava, Pineapple,      Papaya)

·         Preparation of value added granola bar (cereal food) enhanced with antioxidant properties based on leguminous crops 

·         Planning and development of a device at minimum cost to identify the maturity stage of fruits

2.Program to remove tobacco cultivation and introduce alternative crops

3.Research projects being implemented under National Agricultural Research Plan

4.Crop cultivation with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) –Implemented in 2017

5.National Food Production Battle

6.Giving relevant technical recommendations on fertilizer issues

7.Agriculture adapted to climate changes

8.Biotechnology programs

9.Approval of license for removal of jack, bread fruit, and Palmyra trees

10.Issuance of license to exempt import duties, Cess tax and VAT on importation of agricultural inputs and equipment.

Personnel: -

1. Additional Secretary (Agro Technology) - Dr. K. Hettiarachchi
   
2. Director (Agro Technology) - Mr. T.H. Amarasinghe
3. Development Officer - Mrs. U.M.J. Sedara
4. Development Officer - Mrs. A.H.R. Nugaliyadda
5. Development Officer - Mrs. K.N. Weerapperuma
6. Development Officer - Mrs. K.A. Jayaani Chandima
7. Development Officer - Mr. P.C. Perera
8. Development Officer - Mr. Milton Lambias
9. K.K.S - Mr. P. Neel
10. K.K.S - Mr. Nimal Thilakasiri

Main Units Under the Division

Introduction

This division functioning as a sub-division of Agriculture Technology Division is entrusted with following responsibilities;

Improvement of project proposals received from varied institutes under the Ministry of Agriculture and forwarding to Donor Agencies. Submitting such proposals to Implementing Agencies subsequent to the receipt of approval and ensure required follow-up during the phase of implementation.

Building relationships with foreign countries and international agencies and maintaining the relationships as beneficial for both parties.

Providing information related to International Trade Agreements in the purview of International Trades and coordinating those endeavors relevant to field of Agriculture

Development of projects under public-private partnership and coordinating the implementation

Responsibilities

v Coordinating the projects (Improvement of priority fruit value chain production in Sri Lanka and promoting commercialization) implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and ensure required liaisons with FAO

v  Submitting project proposals to JICA and implementing such projects ensuring coordinating activities

v  Functioning as the Coordination Unit of Asian Food and Agriculture Co-operation Initiative (AFACI) and ensure relevant project coordination. Organizing related international summits / workshops.

v   Liaison with Sri Lanka Center of Korean Project for International Agriculture (KOPIA)

v Organizing International workshops of Asian Productivity Organization (APO) in Sri Lanka and other related coordination activities with APO

v  Submitting project proposals to African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and coordinating its projects (Initial project for commercial breadfruits in Sri Lanka)

v  Coordination activities with other international organizations (CAPSA, APPPC ,TFNET, WFP, CIRDAP …etc.)

v  Signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with different countries and perform required proceedings and review the progress of signed MOUs.

v  Official proceedings relating to International trades and international trade agreements (SAPTA, PFTA, DFTA, CFTA …etc.)

v  Coordination of projects being implemented under public-private partnership

ü  Projects with private institutes to develop seeds and planting materials

ü  Project to establish an Agricultural Training Center in Walpita 

ü  Waste Management Project in Gohogoda

Particulars of officials of the division

01. Mr. P.N.N. Jayaneththi

Deputy Director

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Other Officials

       02.Damith Chandrakumara Pathirage- Agriculture Operating Officer

       03.R.A.D.D.N. Ranasinghe - Agriculture Development Assistant

       04.Nadeesha Shyamali Nishshanka - Development Officer

       05.Radhika MahadevaDevelopment Officer

       06.R.P.M.Shiromani -  Development Officer

       07.A.W.S.S. Gunarathna - Development Officer

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