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State-run organic supermarket chain: Another step to promote organic agriculture

04 Sep 2021

  • Lanka Sathosa to become pesticide-free network
By Uwin Lugoda The Government has taken another step towards its goal of a pesticide-free Sri Lanka, with the launch of the first-ever state-run organic supermarket chain. The Ministry of Trade recently came up with the initiative to transform Lanka Sathosa into a pesticide-free network named Sathosa Organic Supermarket. This initiative is set to cover the entire urban landscape of Sri Lanka, spreading across all 25 major cities in the country. The new Sathosa Organic Supermarkets will only sell organic vegetables, fruits, treacle, palm sugar, spices, dried fruits, and eco-friendly crafts. Speaking to The Sunday Morning, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade Bhadranie Jayawardhana stated that this was the brainchild of Minister of Trade Bandula Gunawardana. She explained that the whole world is turning towards less harmful agricultural practices, and this initiative was going to help Sri Lanka promote those same ideals. “The focus of the global consumer is fixed on high-quality organic products; they want to see supermarkets with organic foods on shelves. This also falls in line with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s goal of promoting organic agriculture,” said Jayawardhana. She stated that this initiative was also inspired by other programmes related to the shift to organic, which were started under the guidance of President Rajapaksa, and will also promote organic foods throughout Sri Lanka with a special focus on urban areas. The Ministry of Trade has already completed several aspects of the initiative, including a new green logo, branding, and the registration of organic food and product suppliers. Jayawardhana stated that they have already had two meetings with organic producers about the first outlet. The Ministry has also called for an Expression of Interest (EOI) for more organic food and product suppliers via media outlets, and is now in the process of evaluating the incoming applications. The Ministry is also working on a pricing formula for this new supermarket chain – one that would ensure a consistent supply of goods and affordable prices. It will also take into account several fair trade practices, such as giving farmers a good income, so that both the farmer and the end consumers can benefit from it. The first outlet of Sathosa Organic Supermarkets is set to be constructed on the ground floor of the Ministry, located down R.A. De Mel Mawatha in Colombo. Jayawardhana stated that while the Ministry will be providing the space and the facilities for the first outlet, Lanka Sathosa would handle the rest. The cost of one outlet was estimated at Rs. 30 million by the Government. This includes the cost of equipment such as coolers, freezers, shelves, and cash registers. Altogether, the Government plans on investing over Rs. 750 million for the Sathosa Organic Supermarkets initiative. So far, the initiative includes the opening of 25 outlets throughout Colombo, with the flagship outlet set to open to the public at the end of October. However, Jayawardhana stated that this is not a certainty, given the current situation with the Covid-19 pandemic. She explained that many of the activities are on hold due to the workers not being able to attend to the outlet’s construction, because of lockdown measures and the spike in Covid cases. Efforts towards an “organic Sri Lanka” began last April when the Cabinet banned the use of chemical fertilisers, granting approval for a proposal made by the President to ban the use and the importation of chemical fertilisers and other agrochemicals. This was due to the usage of chemical fertilisers having a negative impact on society via the pollution of lakes, canals, and groundwater. The country’s health sector supported the President’s move, citing chemical fertilisers as the reason for several non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including kidney diseases. Attempts made by The Sunday Morning to reach State Minister of Co-operative Services, Marketing Development, and Consumer Protection Lasantha Alagiyawanna for comment proved futile.


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