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Japan’s green-energy boost for Puttalam farmers; Project seeks to enhance food and energy security
View(s):Pix and story by Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe and Padma Kumari
Japan this week presented to Puttalam farmers renewable-energy-powered equipment, including solar-powered backpack sprayers, water pumps, and cool room facilities.
The presentation was made by Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki as part of a US$ 1 million Japanese-funded project.
Implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the project operates under the theme “Enhancing Food and Energy Security through the Promotion of Green Technologies and Renewable Energy for Wider Uptake among Vulnerable Smallholder Farmers in Sri Lanka.”
The cool room facility, set up in the Illanthadiya village of Kalpitiya, will enable farmers to store their produce until they take it to the market, project officials said.
Japanese Amabassador steps out of the cooler room
They said the project would support the agricultural sector, which had been affected by high fuel prices, and thereby enhance food and energy security through the utilisation of renewable energy.
Ambassador Mizukoshi said he hoped the project would contribute to sustainable development efforts and help small and medium-scale farmers deepen their understanding of the importance of sustainable agriculture in view of global environmental concerns. He said the project was an important milestone in the promotion of renewable energy utilisation in Sri Lanka.
The ambassador expressed his country’s commitment to continue to provide necessary support and cooperation for Sri Lanka’s development.
A farmer uses a solar-powered backpack sprayer
The cool room facility has been established on farmland jointly owned by two farmers, Sashika Pushpakumara and A.M.S. Riyaz, but the facility could be used by other farmers as well, the officials said.
UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, North Western Province Governor Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, North Western Province Chief Secretary, and Puttalam District Secretary H.S.M.P. Herath were also present.
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