The project for Promotion of Safe and Appropriate Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers in Sri Lanka (SAFE Project) was implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DOA), Sri Lanka in corporation of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The project objective was to strengthen the capacity of the stakeholder institutions for promoting safe and quality crop production resulting increased occupational safety of farmers, reduced environment and health impact of agrochemical overuse, improved food safety and enhanced exports in the long run.
Project comprised of 2 phases and 4 outputs with several targets including tests, workshops and trainings. Several technology packages, training programs and training aides for training programs were developed as products among several others which were helpful to achieve the project targets during its implementation.
It has been identified that excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has caused various health hazards. Furthermore, there have been cases of rejecting Sri Lankan agricultural products due to pesticide residues and the presence of the pests in the products exported.
In addition, Sri Lanka heavily relies on importing most of its agricultural inputs while the decline in foreign exchange reserves has been an issue (even before the debt crisis in 2022). Following the May 2021 decision to ban the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the production of agricultural and livestock produce was significantly reduced in 2022.
Against those backdrops, this project, which supports the appropriate use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers proposed by the Sri Lankan government is highly prioritized by both governments. It is not only an assistance for safe agricultural production but also as an aid to cope with economic crisis and as well as a macroeconomic policy support.
Capacity of the stakeholders and institutions is strengthened for promoting safe and quality crop production
Comprehensive action plans and action plan for the implementation phase for promoting safe and appropriate use of pesticide and fertilizer are formulated (planning phase)
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