HJS Condiments expands out-grower network
View(s):HJS Condiments Ltd, a subsidiary of Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Ltd, has extended its out-grower network to several new districts, including Badulla, Ampara, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu.
Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Limited is a fully owned subsidiary of the diversified conglomerate Hayleys PLC. The company, in a media release, said it has worked to improve the livelihoods of farming communities for over three decades, providing agricultural inputs, technical assistance, and extension services. The group’s pioneering efforts have put Sri Lanka on the map as one of the largest suppliers to global brands such as McDonald’s, Unilever and Heinz and cemented Hayleys Agriculture’s position as the largest exporter of processed fruits and vegetables in the island.
The company started the out-grower network with just 1,000 farmers to cultivate gherkin, and with support and guidance the number of farmers has grown to over 12,500, comprising different crops.
Thus far, the out-grower network has been established in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Puttalam, Matale, Badulla, Jaffna, Chilaw and Rathnapura for gherkins, jackfruit, banana, soursop, jalapeno pepper, pineapple, papaya, black pepper, chilli, turmeric and vegetables.
“There is still low awareness today about the immense value added to global Agri supply chains by Sri Lankan farmers. Therefore, we want to raise awareness and celebrate our invaluable local farmers and their contributions. Our out-grower system will be a crucial driver in helping to build a robust and resilient farming culture catering to both global and local demands,” Hayleys Agriculture Holdings Managing Director Jayanthi Dharmasena said.
Investing over Rs.120 million this year alone, Hayleys Agriculture provides agriculture inputs set to international standards, and the machinery needed to sustain responsible farming practices. Farmers are also provided sound technical assistance from field extension officers to grow and harvest crops sustainably.
The out-grower units are USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and EU Organic and Global GAP certified under the supervision of accredited certification bodies of Sri Lanka. The company has also obtained the Fairtrade certification to ensure that each rural farmer is treated fairly and guided to purchase the right products needed for farming without exploitation.
“We have worked with HJS Condiments for over four years, and we are delighted with the progress we have made each year. One of the major issues we have during cultivation is pest attacks which spread viral diseases among our crops. As a solution for this, the company introduced two organic chemicals to control pests and taught us how to manufacture them in our farmlands,” W. N. M Gunathilaka, President of the Okkampitiya Farmers Organiaation, said.