In a significant step toward strengthening market-oriented agriculture in the Kurunegala district, Mr. Sanjeewa Rodrigo, Agribusiness & Marketing Consultant of the World Bank, engaged with members of the Ambanpola Producer Association (PA) to guide and support them in expanding their marketing capabilities. The discussion took place during the second day of the two-day Action Plan 2025 preparation workshop of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), conducted at the Irrigation Training Institute, Galgamuwa on the 11th.
Strengthening
Market-Oriented Agriculture
The
session focused on equipping the producer group with targeted strategies to
enhance their role in competitive agri-value chains. Market Access
Facilitation, Capacity Building, Institutional Support, and Infrastructure
Development formed the core pillars of the discussion. Through this holistic
and market-driven approach, the Ambanpola PA is expected to improve its
bargaining power, strengthen collective marketing efforts, increase producer
incomes, and move toward long-term, sustainable growth.
Promoting
Strategic Practices for Fair Pricing
Mr.
Rodrigo emphasized the need for strategic branding, improved post-harvest
practices, and stronger buyer linkages. He highlighted that producer
organizations that function cohesively and adopt market-smart practices are
better positioned to negotiate fair prices and secure consistent market
opportunities. The interactive session also enabled participants to share the
challenges they face—such as fluctuating market prices, limited storage
capacity, and lack of transport facilities—allowing technical experts to
propose practical and sustainable solutions.
Leadership
and Expert Guidance
The
discussion was conducted under the guidance of Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena,
Project Director, who reiterated the project's commitment to empowering farmer
organizations through targeted institutional and marketing interventions. The
session was further enriched by the presence of Dr. Kumuduni Gunasekara,
Agri-Business & Market Linkage Development Specialist (PMU); Mr. D. V.
Bandulasena, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist (PMU);
and Mr. Hemantha Dissanayake, Institutional Development and Capacity Building
Specialist (NWP).
A
Roadmap for Enhanced Marketing and Livelihoods
Their
collective expertise ensured that the Ambanpola PA received a clear roadmap to
enhance its marketing operations as part of the broader Action Plan for 2025.
This initiative marks another step forward in CSIAP’s efforts to strengthen
producer institutions, improve livelihood resilience, and drive climate-smart,
market-oriented agricultural development across Sri Lanka.
