ISHS Acta Horticulturae 672: IV International Symposium on Horticultural Education, Extension and Training
MIDIGAMA MODEL FRUIT VILLAGE IN SRI LANKA: ASSESSING AND MEETING OF TECHNOLOGY AND TRAINING NEEDS |
| Author: | M. de Zoysa |
| Keywords: | Fruit production, post harvest technology, marketing |
| Abstract:
The trend towards the fruits in Sri Lanka has a high proportion of agricultural growth, which has a high-income elasticity of demand in contrast to other farm produce. The National Agricultural Policy has recognised a dynamic and a vibrant fruit production with productivity increases through expanding technological diffusion. The project “Midigama Model Fruit Village” emphasises the increase and diversifies fruit crops in line with product demand, incorporating the rapidly advancing sciences and technologies. Based on a study, the paper discusses the needs of knowledge and skills for the fruit growers, the educational and training strategies required to implement the conceptual design. Besides the few medium and large farms, fruits are mainly coming from many small-scale growers. The key bottleneck in implementing model fruit village project is the lack of knowledge and skills of the farmers. They require training not merely on growing fruit trees but scientific knowledge and managerial capabilities to promote profitable orchards. The project emphasises to provide information and transfers the technology on required disciplines for the growers. Preparing a “Manual and Information Leaflets”, organising seminars, education and training programs, Farmer Field Schools” (FFS), and periodical Extension Services are the main strategies. The Midigama Fruit Farm is converted into a model farm and training as well as conventional centre. Establishment of on-farm market, capacity building of fruit growers, development of farming systems and improvement of marketing are the other strategies incorporated with direct technology transfer and training. | |
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