Women Councilors in Ampara join SAPRI for Integrated Pest Management

Women Councilors in Ampara join SAPRI for Integrated Pest Management 

Participants at the Kalmunai program

Following its initiative to empower newly elected women local government members, South Asia Policy & Research Institute (SAPRI), organized a training program on Integrated Pest Management  (IPM) in Ampara which was coordinated by women local government councilors of the district. The programme held from 2^nd to 6^th of March 2020 was conducted in Ampara, Akkaraipattu, Ninthavur, Kalmunai and Uhana. The Embassy of the Netherlands provided support to the programme.

Training session in progress & Councilor Jeseema addresses session

Women Local Government Councilors Hon. Margret Wickramasinghe, Hon. Toroshini Suriyaarachchi, Hon. Ashoka Sandya Kumari, Hon. Sugandhi Shavika, Hon. S. Induja, Hon. A.R. Selesthina, Hon. K. Puwaneswari, Hon. U.S.Sameena, Hon. Thamara Dissanayake, Hon. M. Maduranjani, and Hon. K.M. Jaseema, among others representing multiple political parties participated in the training programme together with farmers and Agriculture Field Extension Officers who were the main target groups.  

Mr H.D. Lakmal, Mr A. Jailabdeen, and, Mr. A.H.P. Rajakaruna, Agriculture Instructors at Provincial and Inter-Provincial levels, undertook the training on IPM.

The program commenced with a formal inauguration in which senior government representatives in agriculture from the province as well as interprovincial sections including Mr. M.F.A Zaneer- Deputy Director of Agriculture (Inter-Provincial) participated.  Addressing the gathering Mr. Zaneer introduced the concept of IPM and explained its relevance. Mr. Nishan Dissanayake of the Embassy of Netherlands and Mr Thanura Mendis representing SAPRI were present on this occasion.

Harmful insects & friendly insect

The series of programs was designed as a response to the excessive use of pesticides on crops, which has become both an environmental and public health issues in Sri Lanka. The IPM concept focuses on using a collection of ecofriendly and scientific methods to prevent pest inflicted damage to crops. The limitation on the usage of agrochemicals through more healthy, natural, and economic means forms the core of the concept, with a reservation of pesticides as the last resort. The program consisted of indoor theoretical training as well as field visits to provide a practical understanding of the concepts.

The participants appreciated the introduction to the concepts of integrated pest management with an understanding of its importance to sustainable agriculture. They expressed their enthusiasm to participate in similar initiatives in the future, with the support of the trainers and organizers.

The training program was a response to a request of Women Local Government Councilors in Ampara District to the Ambassador of Netherlands for assistance towards the district’s agricultural development, during SAPRI’s initiative to empower Women Local Government Members. SAPRI’s program had a dedicated component in which senior diplomats from foreign missions in Sri Lanka met with women local government councilors to share their experiences as women leaders.

The following video reflects Hon. Suganthi Shavika addressing the group  during  field visit in Uhana