In align with the Policy Direction of the Government, the Eastern Province focuses on establishing eco -friendly agriculture activities & promoting sustainable development, adopting an environment friendly concept with feasible social and economic approaches. In order to achieve the long term objectives of the promotion of organic agriculture it is essential and imperative we develop market opportunities both domestic as well as international markets for organic products.Organic agriculture is focused on specialized value chains as such it should be backed by a certification in order to secure market opportunities. Since organic certification standards differ between domestic and international standards organic producers should have access to standard certification facilities.
In this context Eastern Provincial Council signed an Agreement with Industrial Technology Institute Colombo a statutory body under Ministry of Industries to provide consultancy services on measures required for construction and operation of an ISO certified laboratory to analyze organic produce/food samples in Eastern Province and elsewhere. The event was held in Paddy Marketing Board Regional Office Building Kantale on 27th December 2022.
Chief Secretary Eastern Province Mr R.M.P.S Ratnayake and Prof Dr Radhika Samarasekare Director General Industrial Technology Institute Colombo signed the agreement in the presence of Hon Anuradha Yahampath Governor of Eastern Province. Secretaries, Deputy Chief Secretaries and District Secretary Trincomalee along with government officials and representatives of farmer organizations participated in the event.
