To discover the ability of producing Mozzarella cheese and Olive cultivating in Sri Lanka, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture has requested technical assistance needed for conducting a feasibility study from Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Italy.
Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture is attending the 19th session of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations which is being held in Rome representing Sri Lanka.
Hon. Minister of Agriculture met and held a discussion with Mr. Francesco Lollobrigida Hon. Minister of Agriculture, Italy in the evening yesterday (24).
Several important points have been focused on this discussion.
A discussion has been made on discovering the ability of producing worldwide famous Mozzarella cheese which is being produced in southern areas of Italy & expanding Olive cultivation for the purpose of producing Olive oil in Sri Lanka.
Technical assistance needed for conducting a feasibility study on said matters has been requested by Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture in there.
The Minister has pointed that the facilities needed for Mozzarella cheese production are there as the buffalo husbandry is well managed in southern province of the country. The Minister has also mentioned that the government of Sri Lanka is ready to provide all the necessary facilities if the Italian investors would be coming to Sri Lanka. It is appropriate conducting a feasibility study since Sri Lanka has areas with adequate climate for Olive cultivation, mentioned the Minister.
Furthermore, specialist exchange on smart climate agricultural systems, preparing an exchange program for grape seed which will allow excess harvest & requesting technical assistance for said matter, Introducing a grape variety suitable for soil structure of Sri Lanka, Developing livestock reproduction techniques in Sri Lanka, Research specialist exchange, taking measures for exchanging Italian cattle with Sri Lanka, Sustainable development in food production sector & promotion of co-operation between Italy and Sri Lanka agricultural work force are some of the factors discussed between the Ministers.
Additionally, the Minister has invited the Minister of Agriculture, Italy to visit Sri Lanka.
According to the proposals forwarded by Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera Hon. Minister of Agriculture, It is decided to engage in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Sri Lanka and Italy regarding the said matters.