The Way Forward

THE WAY FORWARD
Browns Farms Concept

Prepared by
Harindu Lorensu Hewa (BSc/MSc Agri) 12/12/2011
THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS
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The Browns agriculture is one that sustainable agri-business where as
enhances environmental quality and the resource base on which agriculture is depending. That provides for basic human needs, ensure the food security as well as business is turning to economically viable venture and ultimate improve the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole" Concept of Agri Business The total concept refers to the various businesses involved in timber production, food production; including animal farming, seed supply, agrochemicals, fertilizer, farm machinery, irrigation, extension service, agricultural biology as well as wholesale & distribution, export, processing, marketing, and retail etc . But here discuss only few areas which govern the high market potential to overall business and total concept can be extended into more sub sector future time being. Concept Outline
1. Agro Forestry 2. Seeds Business 3. Crop Business 4. Horticulture Crop Production 5. Tissue Culture Laboratory & Plant Nursery Management 6. Consultancy & Extension Service 7. Out Grower Farms 8. Agri Machinery 9. Agro Tourism 10. Browns Agriculture Technology & Management College 11. Browns Agriculture Technology Park 12. Other Supportive Ventures / Processors
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Agro Forestry
The direct benefits of forest plantations on the value of the land are forest products such as saw timber, fuel wood, charcoal, poles, post, boundary planting, food products, fodder for livestock, medicinal products, shade for agricultural crops, esthetics/ biodiversity and land reclamation. How to Establish Forest Plantation 1. Lay-out For large-scale forest plantation planning the plantation lay-out is complex as it must include the exact location and shape of the forest plantation, road network plan, location of waterways for fire-fighting purposes, subdivision into sub-units (compartments) with open lines between for fire breaks and access, spacing and mapping 2. Site preparation The extent of preparation needed for the planting site depends on four factors: purpose of plantation, species to be planted, existing vegetative cover and soil conditions. Site preparation comprises two main field activities: removal of the existing vegetation to reduce and/or eliminate competition and ground preparation to improve water retention and provide optimal soil conditions for the plantations initial phase. Four methods can be used for vegetation clearance: manual, mechanical, by burning or use of weedicides. For ground preparation after vegetation has been cleared, different methods also exist, such as pioneer ploughing, subsoiling, pre-planting harrowing, planting pits and terracing. 3. Planting operation The first variable influencing planting is timing. Throughout the tropics the occurrence of the rainy season usually determines the planting time. Evapotranspiration stress at planting is one of the main causes of initial death. To minimize planting stress, seedlings should be planted when the soil moisture level has returned to field capacity, ie, after approximately 100 mm of steady rain has fallen; during cloudy days; and using well-watered seedlings.
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The Development of Teak Plantations (Tectona grandis l.f ) Teak plantations have been widely established throughout the country with the main objectives to produce high quality timber within a period of 30-60 years. In general, the productivity of the teak plantation is 8-10 m3/ha/year. Three main factors affect growth and quality of the plantation is site quality, seed supply and silvicultural management. Site quality has direct effect on the growth and development of the plantation. Teak grows well on moist sites. To produce high quality timber trees, the site should be subjected to a dry period of 3-5 months duration. Teak soil is deep, well- drained, and alluvial with high calcium, organic matter and other element content. The soil pH is 6.57.5. Teak is a light-demanding species. As a result, intensive weeding in 1-5 year-old plantations is very important. The supply of improved seed for planting program is a major problem especially in countries like Sri Lanka where teak is an exotic. A large quantity of improved seed can be obtained through establishment and management of seed production areas and seed orchards. Clone propagation by tissue culture is an option for mass production of planting stock. This technique is technically and economically feasible. Appropriate and timely silvicultural management must be carried out to improve both the growth rate and quality. Initial spacing has marked effects on growth, quality and establishment cost. Planting time also plays an important role on initial growth and survival of the plantation. The most suitable time for teak planting is during the growth flush period, i.e., the beginning of rainy season. Intensive weeding should be carried out during the first five years after establishment. The outbreak of defoliators and stem borers has become a serious problem; there is no practical method for controlling these insects. First and second thinning are conducted at ages 5 and 10 years in close spaced plantations using a simple mechanical thinning technique. Subsequent thinning is carried out using relevant thinning guidelines. The plantation should be intercropping with non-perennial crops for initial ROI. The recommend cultivations are Pineapple, Citrus, Pepper, Chili and selected vegetables.
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The Development of Mahogany Plantations (Swietenia macrophylla) Swietenia macrophylla is suitable for large-scale timber production plantations because of its excellent timber quality. The wood can be used for construction materials, plywood, high-grade furniture and cabinet making. It is also suitable for paneling, framing, flooring, automobile bodies, interior trim of boats, radio and phonograph cabinets, bodies of musical instruments, moldings and other ornaments. Plantation should be intercropped by with maize, upland rice or cassava, corn, peanuts or pumpkin.
Five-year-old plants - S. macrophylla trees of chaterctistics shape planted by small holder
Seedling nursery
Mahogany is a very large tree, reaching a height of 30-40 m and a girth of 3-4 m; in favorable conditions it can reach 60 m high and 9m girth. Trunk straight, cylindrical, with a buttressed base; bark rough, flaking off in small patches. Leaves up to 60 cm long; leaflets 6-16, ovate, lanceolate, acuminate, slightly oblique, light green or reddish when young, dark green and shining when mature, up to 20 cm long, with 8-12 pale. The hardwood is red-brown in appearance. The density of the wood of plantation-grown trees is often somewhat less than that of trees from the forest in the natural area of distribution and weighs 485-840 kg/m at 12% mc. The wood has Gum or resin: A gum is produced from cuts in the bark for markets in Bombay India, it is marketed in both pure form and mixed with other gums, tannin or dyestuff. The bark is used for dyeing and tanning leather. Lipids Oil that might be of some commercial value can be extracted from the seed kernels.
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Gliricidia Plantation (Gliricidia sepium) Dendro-Thermal Energy (DTE) Development from Agro Forestry Fuel crisis will be a problem for agriculture development in future. Increase of cost of production is imminent as labour and energy is limited. However, the ever escalating price of crude oil in the world market has caused a continuous increase of price of fossil fuel resulting in finding an alternative way for fuel. Bio-fuel is one option as an alternative as ethanol by-product can be obtained from the plants derivatives. The production of Gliricedia sepium can be used as cover plant in agro forestry and being utilized except as green manure to a certain extent. This tree can be explored for dendro- thermal energy production. The DTE manufacturing using Gliricidia has already been started in the several provinces. Gliricidia is an energy crop in its sticks can be harvested every eight months, and used as dendro fuel. The generation of 1 unit of electrical energy requires 0.5kg coal or 1kg of wood. This is a biomass power plant based on a rural community which cultivates a tree species Gliricidia. The harvest the branches of the tree periodically and dry sticks are used by the power plant. Other Uses Gliricidia is widely used as boundary fences in plantations and has a variety of uses in sustainable agri business. It is a hardy, fast growing tree that can withstand even the most adverse weather conditions. It grows in a variety of soil conditions and it is free from disease and pests. It is used as supports for fruit & vegetable cultivation, paddy and agro forestry. It is a legume that can greatly enrich the soil and hence its green matter forms an ideal base for organic fertilizer. The leaves are an attractive fodder for goats and cattle. The ability of soil to retain moisture content is enhanced by approximately 50% when Gliricidia is grown as a multi-crop under agro forestry. Gliricidia multi-cropping improves the organic matter content of soil by 40% at a depth of 15cm, 50kg of processed Gliricidia leaves can reduce annual chemical fertilizer requirements, yielding the equivalent of 0.8kg Urea, 0.25kg Eppawala Phosphate, 0.6kg Mu of Potash and 0.5kg Dolomite Solar radiation utilization on a plantation is increased from 6% to 94% in the presence of Gliricidia. Moreover this has been categorized as 4th plantation crop in Sri Lanka
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Seed Business
Seed Paddy Cultivation (Oryza sativa) The production of consumption paddy has very low profit margin and, in fact, shows an overall negative result. The standard of the cultivation technique and the inputs necessary for a viable production are rather low. Full time engaged farmer face financial difficulties due to the seasonality of paddy price, unfavorable market conditions, unpredictable weather conditions and comparatively high costs for farm inputs. Against this scenario, paddy is still cultivated to secure the family food requirements and because there are very limited opportunities for alternative use of the farm capital assets. The household and the village food security are achieved through the paddy production. The lack of quality seed paddy is one of the major reasons that affect the yield. Low yields directly reduce the returns and profits. Commercial seed paddy production, however, not certified, fills the gap to certain extent. It involves more of less similar practices as for the production of consumptions paddy, except that the cultivators practice better management, but generates a 2.5 time increase in returns. The cultivation and production of certified seed paddy is profitable. It further contributes to improvements in the local and regional paddy economy. Certified paddy seed could be sold at Rs. 550 per bushel. The additional investment needed is Rs.2500 per acre against an almost threefold return. The certified seed paddy production generates high profit margins. Good land and weed management, pest control and harvesting without mixing with other varieties are essential preconditions.
Paddy Husk Charcoal Production The paddy husk is by-product of paddy cleaning, can be used for charcoal production and using as a soil improvement input for the paddy fields and other crops. Especially paddy husk charcoal is used to control soil salinity and to improve fertilizer use efficiency.
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Maize Seed Farm (Zea maize) Maize is primarily a rain fed crop cultivated in the maha season in both settled and shifting (chena) types of highland cultivation. The primary sources of demand for maize are the rural farming population, where maize is consumed both on the cob and as flour and in the provender industry, where it is used in about 25% of the poultry feed manufactured. It is important crop only in the districts of Anuradhapura, Ampara, Badulla, Moneragala, Matale and Batticaloa, where the area is over 2000 ha. These districts, popularly called "the maize belt", account for over 80% of the land planted to maize in the country. The national extent of maize is 23,000-28,000 ha and the annual production is around 35,000 t. There is a wide variation in yield among districts, ranging from 0.14 t/ha to 6.18 t/ha. The well drained paddy soil is suitable for maize cultivation Maize is one of the subsidiary food crops cultivated in the highlands, and it therefore competes with other crops such as cowpea, green gram, groundnut, chilli and finger millet for space and inputs. It is often cultivated mixed with these crops. Currently a large amount of Maize (approximately 150,000 metric tons) is being imported to the country annually to supplement the local Maize production, which is only 30,000 40,000 metric tons per year. Maize is one of the main ingredients used in the animal feed industry, which formulates around 500,000 metric tons of animal feed regularly. Sri Lanka spends around US Dollars 30 million annually to import Maize. Hence, the countrys import of Maize is bound to be a huge drain on Sri Lankas foreign exchange. The local and imported raw materials for animal feed production in Sri Lanka as follow
Raw material Maize Soyabean
Usage (mt) 175,000 75,000
Local Production(mt) 32,948 728
Imports(mt) 125,000 75,000 Gap = 92,052 mt Gap = 74,272 mt
The P&L for maize cultivation as follow Total cost Rs/ac Average yield kg/ac Unit cost Rs/kg Selling price Rs/kg Income Rs/ac Profit Rs/ac
10,155.96 1,173 8.66 14.27 16,738.00 6,582.70
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Crop Business
Paddy Cultivation
Rice is the single most important crop occupying 34% (0.77/million ha) of the total cultivated area on Sri Lanka. On average 560000 ha are cultivated during Maha Month & 310000 ha for yala month making the average annual extent sown with rice to about 870000 ha. About 1.8 million farm families are engaged in paddy cultivation island-wide. Sri Lanka currently produces 2.7 million tone of rough rice annually & satisfies around 95% of the domestic requirement & 5% of total need satisfied by the imported rice. The per capita consumption of rice fluctuates around 100 kg per year depending on the price of rice, bread & wheat flour. It is projected that the demand for rice will increase at 1.1% per year & to meet this rice production should grow at the rate of 2.9% per year. Increasing the cropping intensity & national average yield are the options available to achieve this production targets. The currency cost of production of rough rice is Rs 15.00 per kg. Nadu rice could be sold at Rs 30-33 & sambha rice at between Rs 35-38 /kg. The cost of labour, farm power & tradable inputs constitutes of 55%, 23% & 23% respectively. The labor cost has risen at a higher rate than other costs over the last few years. While the global demand for rice will increase at 1.95% the production will increase at 1.62% / annum. Department has making a tradable rice volume to be doubled in 20 years time. Organic Paddy Farm Development World market is inclined to consider quality of food that is consumed and its effect on health resulting in to go in search of organically produced food. Organic farming is advocated to safe guard the agro-eco-system. The use of quality compost, bio fertilizer, green manure and green leaf manure and application of enriched farm yard manure are the methods of organic farming to be popularized to ensure economic and integrated plant nutrition management in crop production. Certification standard of organic product will be developed by the agriculture department for national competitive market. Since demand is driven to old varieties like Pachchaiperumal, Henati for those nutritive quality and these varieties are fertilizer non responsive, Organic rice farming with these traditional rice varieties can be promoted in an organized manner to capture the demand for organic rice in niche market. Further, low potential area may be considered for organic rice farming promotion in future. The main objectives are to produce quality organic rice for niche market, enter into world organic market, supply toxic free organic product and minimize environmental pollution by agronomic practices.
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Traditional Paddy Varieties Cultivation The famous varieties known as Suduru Samba, Suvanda Samba, Pachcha Perumal, Kalu Heenati, Kalu Baala Wee, Rath-el, Suvandel, etc. have been identified as special varieties capable of withstanding environmental disabilities and insect borne diseases while being superior in hygienic qualities and consumer taste. With the expansion of chemical fertilizer usage, the paddy plants tended to be taller un-proportionately resulting in a decrease in harvest. This paddy has niche market in Sri Lanka and potential demand for exporting. The following varieties have high demand out of more than 600 varieties. Suwandel is delectable white rice with an exquisite aroma. Its special milky taste makes it an ideal choice for festive occasions and ceremonies. It is known to promote fair and glowing skin; improve the functioning of the excretory system; improve vocal clarity; enhance male sexual potency and helps control diabetes. Rathdel can help fight against viral fever. It is recommended for rashes caused by mental stress and provides relief for ailments in the urinary system. It also helps flush toxic excretory matter and cools the body. Roasted and ground rathdel raw rice tempered with ghee can be an effective remedy for purging. It is proven for preventing the formation of stones in the bladder and gall bladder. Porridge made out of rathdel rice, sarana (Boerhavia diffusa), sugar, raisins and fresh cows milk is suitable for those suffering from tuberculosis and lung ailments. Consumption of boiled rathdel rice mixed with ghee enhances male sexual potency. Kaluheenati, which literally means dark, fine grain, is highly nutritious red rice that is considered to have medicinal properties, and is particularly recommended for lactating mothers. This is highly nutritious red rice that enhances male sexual potency and physical strength. Its high fiber content helps regulate bowel movement. It is effective in keeping diabetes under control as well as controlling the toxic effects of snake bites. Porridge made from kaluheenati rice is highly recommended for hepatitis patients. Ma-Wee is a red rice variety with its scrumptious texture that is low in carbohydrates. It provides relief for burning sensation and cools the body. Ma-Wee rice consumed together with meat can reduce alcohol intoxication. It is recommended for tuberculosis patients; helps control diabetes Kuruluthuda is a delectable and nutritious red rice variety which is rich in proteins. It improves bladder functioning and enhances male sexual potency. Pachchaperumal is a red rice variety rich in nutrients and protein which is an excellent choice for your every day meal. Madathawalu is another traditional red rice variety that is highly recommended in Ayurvedic treatment to strengthen the immune system. Hetadha Wee is a red rice variety that helps control diabetes and provides relief for burning sensations and cools the body. It relieves ailments caused by biological imbalances; improves physical strength and blood vomiting and bleeding disorders.
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Production of Rice Bran Oil Production of rice bran oil is profitable venture. In here we can utilize rice by-product in an effective way and should introduce rice bran oil usage in market to minimize the use of unhealthy oil. Rice bran oil (also known as rice bran extract) is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice. It is notable for its very high smoke point of 490 F (254 C) and its mild flavor, making it suitable for high-temperature cooking methods such as stir frying and deep frying. It is popular as cooking oil in several Asian countries. Consumed at room temperature or cooler, rice bran oil is rich in vitamin E, gamma-oryzanol (an antioxidant that is used for many alternative herbal therapies, and may help prevent heart attacks), and phytosterols (compounds believed to help lower cholesterol absorption), which may provide associated health benefits. Rice Bran wax, obtained from Rice Bran Oil is used as a substitute of Carnauba wax, used in shoe creams and shoe polishes. This is heavily used in cosmetic production and spa products. The rice bran soap has niche market and good for skin due to enrichment of Vitamin E complexes. Despite its similarities to other common vegetable oils, rice bran oil offers several unique properties that make it very interesting as specialty oil in niche markets. It has a very appealing nut-like flavor and once extracted is very stable with good fry-life. But perhaps its most notable feature is its high level of components with nutraceutical value such as gamma-oryzanol and tocotrienols. The structure of the rice kernel is illustrated follow. The bran fraction, which includes the germ or embryo in most commercial milling operations, represents only about 8% of paddy weight but contains about three-fourths of the total oil containing about 15-20% oil (the same general range of soybeans), rice bran is commercially feasible for oil extraction.
By weight rice bran has 17% oil content. The extracting process starts with raw material preparation. It is heated by steam at 100 C degree to stop lipase hydrolysis in rice bran prior to extract. This is call rice bran oil extracting process.
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Coarse Food Grains Cultivation Major coarse grain crops are Kurrakkan, Sorghum, Finger Millet, Kodo millet (Minnery) and Corn.
Finger Millat Kurakkan (Eleusine coracana ) Finger millet is especially valuable as it contains the amino acid methionine. The grain is made into a fermented drink (beer). The straw from finger millet is used as animal fodder. Finger millet is a popular food among diabetic patients in the country. Its slow digestion indicates low blood sugar levels after a finger millet diet thereby reacting as a safer food for diabetics. Millets are traditionally grown on newly cleared chenas during maha season and are usually planted without land preparation . Higher yields can be obtained in cultivated fields if the soil is worked to a fine tilth with a disc harrow. In upland seeds should be planted in moist soil and protected them biological hazards. The raise beds or the basin systems can be adapted for irrigation. Seed rate for broad casting 6-8 kg/ha and for row seeding 3-4 kg. The fertilizer application as Basal Urea 50 kg/ha TSP 50 kg/ha MOP 50 kg/ha.
Cost of Cultivation for rain fed Kurakkan Operation Land Preparation Seeding Fertilizer Application Weeding/Earthling Harvest/Drawing/processing Total cost Cost (RS./ha) 7128.42 4691.27 6526.97 2463.82 20810.49 Materials (Rs./ha) 269.30 269.30 Total (Rs./ha) 7128.42 4960.57 6526.97 2463.82 21,079.79
Average yield Price (Rs./kg) Income (Rs.) Profit inclusive of imputed cost (Rs.)
1324 kg/ha 24.36 32,515.47 11,435.68
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Sorghum Cultivation (Sorghum bicolor) Sorghum is a contender to maize in the provender industry, which dependant up on the grain price in the world market. The international crop research institute has developed germplasm which are highly suitable for both food and feed purposes. Poor demand arising from more popularity of other major cereals and high bird damage are the main reasons for less popularity of the crop when both quality and yield are superior in newly improved varieties. In Maha these crops can be raised as rain fed as well with supplementary irrigation when there are drought periods. Maha crop can be established with Maha rains that occur in latter part of September or first week of October for successful growth. Yala crops should be established with Yala rains that fall in later part of April. By timely cultivation pest problems can be reduced.
Grain Legumes Cultivation Mungbean, Cowpea, Pigeonpea , Chickpea, Black gram and Soybean are the main legume crops which contribute to vegetable protein required to the population. n Soya Cultivation (Glycine max) Soybean is rich in protein and oil. Protein content of the Soybean can be as high 40% with the fat reaching even 22%. Fiber content of the Soybean can be around 9 %. This has niche market with upcoming modern trend of vegetarian concept. There are three varieties are popular PB 1, PM 13 and PM 25. These show an erect growth with a plant height of around 30-60 cm. It flowers in 25-35 days after planting. Soybean can be grown in most agro-climatic regions but preferred areas are Dry zone and drier pats of the intermediate Zone. Almost any soil with a pH of 6-7 is adequate, but excessive moisture is not acceptable. Soybean tolerates a degree of poor drainage. Highlands in maha and well-drained paddy fields in yala are preferable for Soybean cultivation. It can also be grown on highlands during yala if there is sufficient soil moisture. One ploughing followed by a harrowing and shape into furrows & ridges. Ridges should be formed 40-50 cm apart to facilitate irrigation. Sun dry seeds for 2-3 days to lower moisture content to about 10-12%.Beans for seed should be dried to 9%. Cool sun -dried seeds for 2-3 hours before bagging, then store in a cool, dry place. Yield potential under irrigated condition 3000Kg/ha, rainfed condition 2000Kg/ha.
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About 85 percent of the worlds soybeans are processed, or "crushed," annually into soybean meal and oil. Approximately 98 percent of the soybean meal that is crushed is further processed into animal feed with the balance used to make soy flour and proteins. The oil fraction, 95 percent is consumed as edible oil, the rest is used for industrial products such as fatty acids, soaps and biodiesel. Soy is one of the few plants that provide a complete protein as it contains all eight amino acids essential for human health. Food uses of soybeans include traditional soyfoods such as tofu and soymilk as well as 20th century innovations meat analogs and soy-based yogurts, for example. Soy ingredients have become staples in the food manufacturing industry. Lecithin is widely used as an emulsifier, partially hydrogenated soybean oil has been a mainstay in the production of snacks, baked goods, salad dressings and other soy protein ingredients play functional roles in baked foods, processed meats and other products. In addition to being used for their functional characteristics, soy ingredients are used to add nutrition to processed foods, some isolated soy proteins, for instance, are specifically designed to be used in acidic or clear beverages. Soybeans are also processed into many industrial products. The primary one at this time is biodiesel, or soy methyl esters, which may be used in any diesel engine. In addition, soybeans are processed into hydraulic oil, grease, solvent, ink, plastics and other products. Common Processing Method After being cleaned and dehulled, one of three processes is used to separate the soybean oil from the protein meal (this is also called "crushing" or "oil mill" operations). These processes are:
Solvent extraction: This process, which is the one used most commonly around the world, uses hexane to leach or wash (extract) the oil from flaked oilseeds. This method reduces the level of oil in the extracted flakes to one percent or less. Continuous pressing: This process is performed at elevated temperatures, using a screw press to express the oil from ground and properly conditioned soybeans. The pressed cake is reduced to between 4 percent and 6 percent oil content by this method. Hydraulic or batch pressing: This is an intermittent pressing operation carried out at elevated temperatures in a mechanical or hydraulic press after the soybeans have been rolled into flakes and properly conditioned by heat treatment. It is the oldest known method of processing oilseeds.
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Yams and Tuber Crops Development Root & Tuber Crops are categorized as Potato, Cassava, Sweet Potato, Innala, Kiriala, Dioascorea (Maha wel ala/Kuda wel ala) Potato (Solanum tuberosum L) At present potato is extensively cultivated in the district of Nuwara Eliya (Up country wet zone >1000m amsl) in two major seasons, "Yala" (Feb - July) and "Maha" (Aug Dec.) where annual rainfall is >2,500mm and temperature ranges between 10-15 C with the relative humidity of 80%. It also widely grown in Badulla District (Up Country intermediate zone- 1000 to 1500 m amsl) in paddy fields and high land during "Yala' and "Maha" seasons respectively. This area experiences the rainfall of 1500 - 2250 mm annually with 70 % RH and 15- 22 C range in temperature. Puttlam And Jaffna are the other two districts where the potato is grown in lesser extent. The famous varieties are Sita, Lukshmi, Granola, Kurihi, Derisee, Manike, Kondor and Isna. Potato is cultivated as high value cash crop during the rainy season mainly in Jaffna and in small scale in other districts. Potato cultivation will be promoted to meet the requirement of the population with reduced cost of production. Lanka potatoes have high demand rather than imported one. Potato is the most popular crop of upcountry farmers due to its high net return. Yams are considered as poor mans diet for food security. Cassava, sweet potato and King yam are cultivated as backyard crop in plantation. Since yams are long aged crops and need irrigation for longer period for fruitful harvest, yam cultivation in large scale does not exist but are, in small scale, cultivated for market purpose in homesteads. For homestead food security, yams can be cultivated in very small scale with kitchen waste water. Sweet potato is cultivated under rain-fed condition in suitable land and marketed. With the Development of cottage level fried chip production for income generation by the farmers, Cassava /manioc has now become potential crop for enterprise development resulting an increase of cassava production.. Cassava and sweet potato are important crops for exploring bio- fuel production in industrial sector too.
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Oil Seed Crops The famous high value oil crops are Sesame, Groundnut, Sunflower, Castor and Mustard. Sesame (gingerly) and Groundnut are extensively can be cultivated in all districts and Kilinochchi are prominent for sesame production and Mullaitivu is prominent for groundnut cultivation where has good potential for expansion of groundnut crop cultivation as well drained soil tract extensively available in the North.
Sesame Cultivation (Sesamum indicum L) Sesame is generally cultivated with residual moisture in the paddy land after harvest of paddy in the month of February in dry zone. In some location, high land cultivation takes place at the end of rainy season. High fatty acid content of this crop product paves way for oil extraction enterprise in household level. Fatty acid of the crops product is edible and has high digestible cholesterol (HDL) Lipids. White and black seed varieties are available for different purposes of cultivation. Sesame seeds (approximately 50% oil and 25% protein) are used in baking, candy making, and other food industries. Oil from the seed is used in cooking and salad oils and margarine, and contains about 47% oleic and 39% linoleic acid. Sesame oil and foods fried in sesame oil have a long shelf life because the oil contains an antioxidant called sesamol. The oil can be used in the manufacture of soaps, paints, perfumes, pharmaceuticals and insecticides. Sesame meal, left after the oil is pressed from the seed, is an excellent high-protein (34 to 50%) feed for poultry and livestock. Sesame requires a warm, moist, weed-free seedbed. Good drainage is important, because the plant is extremely susceptible to water logging at any stage of growth. Since sesame is planted late, several generations of weeds can be killed by repeated tillage before planting. Sesame is one of the most versatile crops that can be grown in dry arid regions. It has unique tributes that can fit almost any cropping system. It is an easy crop to include in a rotation because equipment used for other crops can be used to grow sesame. Sesame is more profitable with limited resources than other crops using the same level of resources. It offers more return for less cost (less risk) than other crops. A first time grower can easily experiment with sesame because of the low input requirements without risking too much. With currently increasing input costs, this attribute alone is a major reason to grow sesame which is very heat, drought, disease, and insect tolerant, relatively negligible economic damage from wild hogs, birds, diseases, and insect pests. Crops following sesame have increased yields with reduced production costs because of increased moisture retention and better soil tilth.
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Groundnut (Arachis villosulicarpa) The top groundnut varieties are Tissa and Indhi. The variety Walawa is a confectionary type which can be used for confectionary industry. This crop product has potential platters for industrial sector in oil extraction and confectionary production. Groundnut is cultivated in both rain-fed and irrigated conditions. The crop management is very poor due to limited market and the demand is available only for raw nut which is used for fried or boiled consumption. Imports and exports details Source: Sri Lanka Customs Year Imports Exports
Quantity (mt) Value (000 Rs) Quantity (mt) Value (000 Rs) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 4348 4399 4893 5494 2680 158402 172957 210160 233319 79556 0.31 0.07 0.25 0.03 0.11 34.67 3.92 37.99 21.7 7.0
Producer's prices details Source: Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research & Training Institute Year 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 Producers price Rs/kg 33.06 32.69 32.96 34.59 35.00
Labour requirement and cost of production Source : Socio Economic & Planning Centre, Dept. of Agriculture
Groundnut (Rainfed) Sesame (Rainfed) District: Monaragale District: Monaragale Average Yield (kg/ha) 1376 590 Price of produce (Rs/kg) 28.20 42.46 Gross income 38825.00 25065.00 (Rs/kg) Total cost (Rs/kg) Profit (Rs/kg) 15192.00 23,611.00 6785.00 18,266.40
Description
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Value Added Product Value-added products have been developed which have a number of applications including bakery, confectionery and the general consumer market at local & international. Peanut Flour Made from raw peanuts which have been cleaned, blanched and electronically sorted to select the highest quality peanuts, the nuts are then roasted and naturally processed to obtain lower fat peanut flour with a strong roasted peanut flavor. Peanut flour is used in confectionery products, seasoning blends, bakery mixes, frostings, fillings, cereal bars and nutritional bars. Because the flour is partially defatted, it works well as a fat binder in applications such as confection centers. Using peanut flour at a level of 4-8 percent in a formulation has been found to extend the shelf life of confections and can contribute a peanut flavor to the product. Peanut flour, because of its high protein content (45-50 percent), is a good protein source in addition to its function as a flavoring agent. Peanut Oil Peanut oil is extracted from shelled and crushed peanuts by one or a combination of the following methods: hydraulic pressing; expeller pressing; and solvent extraction. Highly aromatic 100 percent peanut oil and peanut extract also are available. These products have a strong roasted peanut flavor and aroma. Suggested applications for these products include flavoring compounds, confections, sauces and baked goods. Roasted Peanuts Roasted peanuts are available in several different packages and roast variations. Different coatings can be applied to the peanuts prior to and after roasting to provide a variety of products including such flavors as honey, smoked, sweet, hot & spicy and salty. Peanut Butter A variety of different peanut butter products is currently available. Peanuts are roasted, blanched and sorted before grinding into a creamy consistency. Peanut butter produced by sweeteners and salt can be added to enhance flavor while small amounts of stabilizers are used to prevent oil separation. Other modified formulations for peanut butter, peanut spreads and peanut paste are available from most manufacturers. Peanut butter is available in consumer-ready packaging or in institutional/catering containers for use in bakery and confectionery products.
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Sun Flower Oil Production (Helianthus annuus L). Sunflower is mainly used for the extraction of oil. Defatted meal is the main by product of sunflower oil extraction and it is rich in protein and certain minerals. Defatted meal is mostly fed to animals and birds. The large seeded non-oil seed varieties normally provide feed for birds and also used as whole roasted seeds similar to peanuts. After dehulling, the kernels are sold as confectionery nuts. Sun flower cultivation is feasible venture and main challenges are poor seeds production and poor oil extraction facilities constrained the cultivation. With advance technology, constraints can be overcome and restart sun flower cultivation initially as marginal crop. Drying of seeds is the first step in sunflower seed processing. The moisture content of freshly harvested sunflower seeds may be as high as 20%. To ensure safe storage, the seeds must be dried to less than 10% moisture. Sunflower seed is decorticated before the oil is extracted to ensure that the cake is a nutritious animal feed. Extraction of oil from sunflower seeds or kernels can be done using general equipments and operating conditions used for soybean or other oil seeds. The extraction of oil from sunflower is done by mechanical extraction, prepress solvent extraction and direct solvent extraction methods. This is profitable and demanding cultivation since can be reduced the import of vegetable oil. Confection sunflower seed is processed according to these steps:

Seed preparation and cleaning Grading the seeds into large, medium and small sizes Seeds to be marketed as in-shell are bagged Seeds to be sold as kernel are hulled and then bagged Storage
Oil-type sunflower seed is normally processed according to these steps:

Seed Preparation and cleaning Dehulling Physical pressing of the sunflower seed with subsequent hexane extraction of the remaining oil in the meal Degumming Refining Bleaching Dewaxing Deodorization Storage
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Horticulture Crop Production

Horticulture is an umbrella word that covers a great array of food and amenity plants, for example: tree nuts (but not coconut), tree fruits (top fruits), berries (soft fruits), leafy vegetables, fruiting vegetables, root, tuber and bulb vegetables, culinary herbs (basil, coriander, parsley, and cloves), melons, gourds, pumpkins and squash, etc. Sri Lanka is a tropical horticultural paradise and blessed with an agro-climate suitable for a wide range of tropical, subtropical and some temperate fruits. Northern region fruits receive a higher preference among consumers due to its unique flavors and taste of consumer preference. Pest management methods in fruits and vegetables are dangerously out of hand. Estimated losses in post-harvest handling channels have been put at approximately 40 percent. Fruit and vegetable processors and exporters cite the unavailability of quality produce in sufficient quantities and the lack of good post-harvest facilities as the major constraints to the growth of the businesses. Fruits are having tremendous potential in industrial sector such as cordial, juice; puree and canned fruit production. Canned jak fruits have good export potential. Tropical fruit processing has the potential to provide an excellent export opportunity. The forms of processed tropical fruit used in international trade are single strength juices (bulk pack), concentrated juices (bulk pack), pulp (bulk pack), frozen slices and pieces (bulk pack) and essences. The few of tropical fruit cultivation are Banana/ Papaya / Mango / Passion fruit/ Pineapple / Rambutan / Wood-apple / Avocado / Grapes / Durian / Pomegranate / Carambola / Amberalla / Sweet Orange / Water Melon / Grape fruit /Guava/ Mangosteen / Lime / Lemonime / Beli / Pummelo / Mandarin / Dragon fruit / Jack fruit.
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Banana Cultivation (Musa acuminata) The usages of this fruit are ripe fruit : good source of energy, readily digestible fruit useful for feeding children suffering from diarrhea, useful for treatment of gastro intestinal disorders, constipation, arthritis, anemia and allergies. Unripe fruit : Useful for urinary tract disorders, obesity, and disorders of menstruation. Export of processed banana as Banana Pulp is one of the principal processed banana products in international trade with estimated sales of 70,000 to 80,000 mt annually. Although this business is dominated by the multi- national fruit companies. In addition, there is a significant trade for fried banana chips - a small but rapidly growing business and quick frozen banana slices. Land is about 54% are cultivated of the total fruit cultivation extent. At present, Banana productivity is about 13 Mt/ha. But, this amount is very low as comparatively with major Banana growing countries of the world. However, this production can increase up to 45-50 Mt/ha by using high yielding variety like Cavendish type (which has high demand in the world), practicing with good management system. Therefore, we have good opportunity to fill this productivity gap & potential to supply are high quality fruits for export market as well as domestic market. Nethranpalam has high demand & medicinal value in the market. Use of proper offshoots for planting, adequate spacing, adequate fertilization especially nitrogen and potassium, control of insects and diseases, good weed control, management of the clump to avoid excess shoots, mechanical support and bagging of the bunches are to be focused for better production. Harvest on time, and transport carefully to reduce bruising and heating, washing and drying, packing in boxes, temperature control during transport, possible ethylene treatment to promote ripening. The planting at 8ft. x 8ft or 9ft x 9ft spacing was followed. Pit was taken at 1ft x 1ft and suckers were planted immediately after taking the pit. Removal of side suckers from 2 month without affecting the mother plants, by using 6 feet iron rod. Only one well growth side suckers will allow after 8th month for the ratoon. Tissue culture offers a rapid method of multiplication of quality, uniform, pest and disease free production of planting materials in large quantities in banana. The productivity of banana can be increased by cultivation of tissue culture plants of selected elite ecotypes of different varieties.
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Mango Cultivation & Mango Genetic-Plasma Collection (Mangifera indica L.) The most important aspect of mango plantation is germ plasma collections with several varieties of rare mangoes. Especially pure breed Willard, Karthacolomban, Vellei Kolomban, Ambalavi and Neelum are extensively can be used for producing the new cultivars. Planting is usually done in the month of July-August in rain fed areas and during February-March in irrigated areas. In case of heavy rainfall zones, planting is taken up at the end of rainy season. The planting distance is 10m. x 10m and 12m x 12m in dry and moist zones respectively. Training of plants in the initial stages of growth is very important to give them a proper shape especially in cases where the graft has branched too low. Intercropping can be taken up till the mango trees attain suitable height and develop canopy (at 5-6 years of age). Leguminous crops like green gram, black gram, gram etc., cereals like wheat, oilseeds like mustard, sesame and groundnut, vegetable crops such as cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, potato, brinjal, cucumber, pumpkin, bitter gourd, ladys finger etc. and spices like chillies can be grown as intercrops. The partial shade loving crops like pineapple, ginger, turmeric etc. can be cultivated in fully grown orchards. In addition to field crops, some short duration , less exhaustive and dwarf type inter- fillers like papaya, guava, peach, plum etc. can be grown till these do not interfere with the main mango crop .It is advisable to take vegetable crops as inter crops for better returns. Orchard starts bearing from sixth year onwards and the economic life of a mango tree exceeds 35 years. Yield of fruits varies considerably according to the variety, climatic conditions, plant population etc. On an average, the yield ranges from 5 to 9 tons/acre. Grafted plants start bearing early. The post harvest management practices are more important as grading is mainly based on the size, colour and maturity of the fruits. While grading, smaller fruits are separated from the larger ones in order to achieve uniform ripening. immature, overripe, damaged and diseased fruits are discarded in the process of grading. The fruits are generally harvested early in the season at a pre-mature stage to capture early market. Such fruits are ripened by uniformly dipping in 750 ppm. ethrel (1.8ml./l.) in hot water at 5220 C for 5 minutes within 4-8 days under ambient conditions. Mature fruits are ripened with lower doses of ethrel for uniform colour development. The mature green fruits can be stored at room temperature for about 4-10 days depending upon the variety. The harvested fruits are pre-cooled to 10-120 C and then stored at an appropriate temperature.
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Dragon Fruit Plantation (Hylocereus undatus) Dragon fruit is the fruit of several cactus species. It is native to South and Central America, belong to perennial epiphytic plant. It can be cultivated low country wet zone, intermediate zone as well as dry zone with the irrigation facilities. Three type of Dragon fruit species -
Red fruit coat with white flesh
Yellow fruit coat with colour flesh
Red fruit coat with red flesh
Uses Dragon fruit is important as a fruits as well as ornamental plant. Ripen fruits can be used directly to consume. Also it can be used for produce jam, ice cream, jelly, fruit juice as well as wine. Dragon fruit buds can be prepared as a curry. Dragon fruit increases the digesting power of the foods. Also it has ability to control cancer, diabetics, high cholesterol as well as blood pressure. The typical nutritional value per 100g of ripen Dragon fruit is as followsNutrition
Water Protein Fat Fiber Carotene Calcium Phosphorus Iron Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin B Vitamin C Thaiamin Riboflavin Niacin Ash
Amount
82.5- 83 g 0.159- 0.229 g 0.21- 0.61 g 0.7- 0.9 g 0.005- 0.012 mg 6.3- 8.8 mg 30.2- 36.1 mg 0.55- 0.65 mg 1 0.28- 0.043 mg 2 0.043- 0.045 mg 3 0.297- 0.43 mg 8.0- 9.0 mg 0.28- 0.30 mg 0.043- 0.044 mg 1.297- 1.30 mg 0.28 g
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Pineapple Plantation (Ananas comosus) The potential exists for increasing its cultivation in land of 8000 ha of coconut plantation. Sri Lankas extent of cultivation is about 4350 ha and producing only 30,000 mt which is not enough to meet the export demand to neighbor county Pakistan. Cultivation with variety Kew, Red Spanish, and Sugarloaf type will have high potential and canning in several forms for internal use and for export is possible in the region. The weaknesses of current production system are present industry is at introductory level, inadequate supply of planting material, difficulty in getting planting material. Smooth cayenne is suggested for canning and for export of fresh fruits. Red Spanish and Sugarloaf are suggested primarily for local fresh market. However, the present variety Kew is prominent in Sri Lanka. This plant is slightly tolerant to saline soil. Saline tract can be explored for this cultivation regardless the fruit quality. The variety Mauricious or Kew can be promoted and new variety for saline tract is to be explored. Recommended Varieties 1. Cayenne = Smooth cayenne = "Kew" Pineapple 2. Queen = "Mauritius"
3. Singapore Spanish
Cost of cultivation Under coconut, single row system, up to first harvest

Item (Rs. /ha)
1. Land Preparation 2. Planting Material (10000 plants) 3. Pre treatment 4. Planting (25 man days) 5. Fertilizer (50 kg x 24 bags) 6. Weeding 7. Hormone 8. Pest & disease control 9. Harvesting 10. Others Total
14,000 60,000 4,500 10,000 48,000 6,000 4,000 10,000 6,000 12,500 175,000
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Jak Fruit Plantation (Artocarpus heterophyllus) The jak fruit plantation is profitable venture from wood to seed. Several areas are having jak fruits trees and quality and taste are diverse in nature the varieties grown in the region are specific. Since potential market for processed and canned product and fruits seeds are exist in ethnic and niche markets outside the country. Hence, promotion of Jak cultivation with selected export quality varieties will give rise to the occasion of expanding market to national and global. Since seedling propagation give variability in characters due to crossing of varieties. Jak fruit crop should be planted with grafted seedling obtaining scion from the quality and desirable character fruit trees. Selection of good quality nucleus mother is possible from the existing trees. Establishment of jak fruits nurseries for production of quality grafted jak seedlings for re-planting is the strategy for productivity enhancement of export oriented jak fruits.
Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.) Plantation There is no other fruit crop that has high medicinal value compared to that in pomegranate. The juice of pomegranate is used for pharmaceutical purposes. It is used for treating dyspepsia and is considered beneficial in treating leprosy. Because of the tannin content of the bark, leaves, immature fruits and fruit rind are given as astringent to halt diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages. A decoction of the flowers is gargled to relieve oral and throat inflammation. Commercial plantings should not be established from seed, as too much variability in fruit character is likely to occur. Plants can be propagated readily from hardwood cuttings 15 to 20 cm long. Leave only the uppermost bud exposed at planting. Remember that the plant and fruit eventually produced from a cutting will be identical with the parent plant and its fruit. Therefore, only use cuttings from recognized, desirable varieties or selections known to have good cropping characteristics. Fresh fruits of Pomegranate could be used for enjoying at the table. In some countries, the juice is a very popular beverage. In future, fruit juice extraction can be introduced as a cottage industry in Sri Lanka. Also, extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen for future use. It may be made in to thick syrup for use as a sauce. It is also often converted into wine.
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Citrus Cultivation (Citrus aurantifolia spp) Requirement for lime, orange and mandarin is ever increasing in both domestic and industrial sector. Lime juice is an essential ingredient in the diet of Sri Lankan. This is an essential fruit for vitamin C supply. Hence lime and orange are cultivated in most of the homesteads. One of the major weaknesses in the production system is poor tree management and technical knowhow. As it is a very delicate plant, rough handling will damage the plant. It is very susceptible to die back disease and other diseases by physical damage. Planting material is produced by 'T' budding on good stalks like Lime or sour orange. Seedlings are also used in many areas. Nursery beds are prepared on light fertile soils. Selection is done by eliminating weaklings, off types and non uniform seedlings in 2-3 stages in the nursery beds. Seedlings may be grown in polythene bags also. They become ready for plantation in the main field after attaining the height of about 30-40 cm after one year. Cutting and air layering are done in lemons.
Plant density: Orange: normal spacing - 6 m x 6 m ; Plant population - 275 / ha. Sweet Lime : normal spacing - 5 m x 5 m ; plant population - 400 /ha Lime/Lemon : Normal spacing - 4.5 m x 4.5 m ; Plant population - 494 /ha
In very light soils, spacing may be 4 m x 4 m. In fertile soils and in high rainfall areas spacing may be 5 m x 5m. The best season of planting is June to August. Pits of the size of 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm may be dug for planting seedlings. 10 kg of FYM and 500 g of superphosphate may be applied per pit while planting. With good irrigation system, planting may be done in other months also. Leguminous vegetables like cow peas, bean, peas, etc, can be grown in citrus orchards. Intercropping is advisable only during the initial three years. In order to allow the growth of a strong trunk, all shoots in the first 40-50 cm from ground level developed in the early stage should be removed. The centre of the plant should remain open. Branches should be well distributed to all sides. Cross twigs and water suckers are to be removed early. The bearing trees require little or no pruning. All diseased, injured and drooping branches and dead wood are to be removed periodically for initiating citrus greening. The yield for Orange: Commences from the 4th/5th year with 40/45 fruits per tree. Stabilizes in the 10th year. Average production is about 400-500 fruits per tree after stabilization. Sweet Orange : Commences from 3rd/4th year with 15 to 20- fruits per tree. Stabilizes around the 8th year. Average production is about 175-250 fruits per tree Lime/Lemon : Commences from the 2nd/3rd year with 50-60 fruits per tree. Stabilizes in the 8th year. Average production is about 700 fruits per tree after stabilization. Economic life of plantation : Orange and sweet Lime - 25 to 30 years Lime - 15 to 20 years
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Guava Cultivation (Psidium guajava L.) Recommended Varieties Bangkok Giant, Horana Red, Horana white, Pubudu and Kanthi ( dwarf variety) Field Establishment Ecological requirements Annual rain fall Temperature Elevation 1000 - 4000 mm 23o - 28oC (can tolerate temperatures as high as 45oC) 1500 - 2000 m - (Suitable for all 3 zones. Dry intermediate and wet zones) Sandy to day loam A wide range of pH - 4.5 - 9.0 Slight tolerance to salinity & water logging Tolerant to drought Patch budding (commonly used), Modified forkette budding, shield budding, air layering
Soil requirements
Propagation
Size of planting hole 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm Spacing- 4.5 - 5.0 m x 4.5 - 5.0 m
Papaya Cultivation (Carica papaya) At present the extent of papaya cultivation is 3123 ha. The fruit is used as fresh fruit as well as for other processed products. Ripe fruit : Facilitates digestion, relives constipation. Useful in treatment for splenetic, hemorrhoids, skin diseases, gastro intestinal disorders, hepatic disorders and diseases of upper respiratory tract (throat) Unripe fruit : Proteolysis activity, good source of papa in, used as meat tenderizer. Generally papaya yields throughout the year. However, month following warm temperature or moisture stress causes skip in production. Papaya is cultivated in Sri Lanka primarily as a home garden crop. However, there is limited extent under commercial scale and this extent is steadily increasing but there is no significant increase in production. The reasons for these reductions may be due to some districts which are infected with virus under wet zone. Kurunegala district is the highest producer in the country. Kaluthara, Rathnapura, Gampaha, Galle, Anuradapura, Puttalam, Hambanthota and Badulla districts also have higher extents. There is no marked price fluctuation in wholesale and retail prices except during April to June. A considerable quantity of production is lost in the postharvest phase. The highest percentage of postharvest loss is found in papaya (46%) compared to banana and pineapple.
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Passion Fruit Cultivation (Passiflora edulis) Fresh fruits are cut in half and the succulent pulp is scooped out with a spoon for mixing with other fruits in making a salad. The extracted juice is a tasty drink. The beauty of passion fruit is that just a little pulp goes a long way. The cake icing, candy ice cream, jelly, mousses, sauces, sherbets, syrups and pies are some of the value added products made out of the fruit tender leaves of passion fruit is also consumed as a leafy vegetable. Seed of both forms of passion fruit give about 23% oil similar in properties to either sunflower or Soya bean oil and is used for domestic and industrial purposes. A cyanogenic glycoside is found in the pulp of all passion fruit but is only at an insignificant level in the ripened fruit. The glycoside passinorine can also be extracted from the dried leaves. Recommended Varieties Yellow cultivar (Low country) Purple cultivars (Up country) Australian Varieties (Under tests)
Grape Fruit Orchard (Citrus paradisi Mactad ) The usage of fruit are increases appetite, prevents acidity, laxative, useful in treatment for renal , cardiovascular and hepatic disorders. Quinine in grape fruit is helpful to prevent malaria; useful in diarrhea, dysentery, diabetic mellitus, influanza. Major growing areas are wet and intermediate zones, Nature of cultivation for scattered in home gardens Harvesting & post-harvest technology - Value Added Products - Jam, cordial, syrup. Economics & Marketing Availability May -August
Herbal Plant Cultivation Aloe Vera is highly demanding herbal plant in the beauty cosmetic industry in Sri Lanka. Aloe Vera can relieves, heals sun burns, soothes, recovering the skin and prevents dandruff & hair loss. This is good medicine to treat pimples & acne.
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Tissue Culture Laboratory & Nursery Management

Plant tissue culture is a widely used procedure in plant biology in which organism is planted from the explants of the living plants in a nutrient medium under aseptic conditions. There are more advantages of plant tissue culture in commercial set up. Advantages: - Produce many copies of the same plants then which may be used to produce plants with better flowers, odors, fruits or any other properties of the plants that are beneficial to consumers. - Produce plants anytime we want although the climates are not appropriate to produce a plant. Moreover, if seed is not available, it is possible to produce a plant with this method. - If there is plant with partially infected tissue, it is possible to produce a new plant without infection. -Very helpful in the genetically modified organism studies. Low cost options can generally be incorporated into the design of the building, laboratories, working areas, layout of equipment, lighting, heating and production planning to provide smooth and efficient operations. It is important to select several plants that provide options for production around the year to allow cash flow and optimal use of equipment and facilities. It is essential to maintain sufficient mother cultures, and limit the number of subcultures to avoid variation, and plan production and shipment according to the customers demand. The price of the tissue culture derived plants, tubers, bulbs, and cuttings must be competitive with those obtained from conventional propagation. Many tissue-cultured plants are too expensive for direct field planting. In such cases, the cost can be reduced by one or more conventional propagations of the in vitro plants. The uniformity and consistency in field performance of tissue-cultured plants is important to build confidence of the farmers. The planting material requirement of the country grows every year and the lack of quality material for planting purposes is considered as one of the greatest impediment for developing the horticulture industry in Sri Lanka. The nurseries should be catering to the maintain of plants for our production as well as local demand of plantation crops and horticultural crops including grafted fruit plants, virus free tissue culture banana plants, teak, mahogany and jak.
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Consultancy & Extension Service

Our business aim is to bring innovation, latest technology to the farmer and is committed in its efforts to enhance farmer income, improve rural economy and contribute towards the growth of agriculture in Sri Lanka. To further strengthen this philosophy, we have embarked on Agri-Consultancy a one-stop-shop for investors seeking professional services in setting up large-scale agri-based enterprises in the country. Our professional service offered to investors who is seeking to establish agribusiness enterprises, in their pursuit in the development of the its own business or any other venture provide technical assistance from feasibility reports to post harvest technology for agriculture enterprises, professional advisory services from enterprise management practices to capacity building programmes, services related to quality input supplies from planting materials to greenhouses, all crop production, all livestock & feeding productions, machineries and agribusiness management aspect. The Target Group Foreign investors seeking to establish Agri-based projects especially in the Northern and Eastern regions of Sri Lanka. Local investors seeking to establish Agri-based enterprises in any part of the country
The Areas of Service Agro Forestry, Home Gardening, Paddy, Fruits, Vegetables, Maize, Foliage and CutFlowers, Plant Nurseries & Tissue Culture, Aquaculture, Poultry, Diary, Swine Management, Goat, Food Processing, Land and Enterprise Selection, Soil & Water Testing, Seed Testing, Pest & Disease Management, Irrigation Systems, Protected Agriculture & Greenhouse, Feasibility Studies/Reports, Production Planning, Business Plans, Post-Harvest Technology, Crop Management and Agronomic Practices, Livestock Production and Management Practices, Market Research, Research & Development, Agri Education and Training, Planting Materials (seeds, tissue culture plants, nursery plants), Agro Chemicals, Fertilizers and Compost, Farm Machinery and Equipment.
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Our Grower Concept / Contract Farming

Out-grower systems should be seen as a partnership between an agro-industrial company and farmers. To be successful it requires a long-term commitment from both parties. Exploitative arrangements by a company are likely to have only a limited duration and can jeopardize agribusiness investments. Similarly, farmers need to consider that honoring contractual arrangements is likely to be to their long-term benefit. It must be stressed that the decision to use the out-grower system modality must be commercial. Contract farming refers to a system whereby a central processing and exporting unit purchases the harvests of individual farmers, and the terms of the purchase are arranged through contracts. Its a range of initiatives taken by Browns Farm to secure access to smallholder produce. The terms of the contract vary and usually specify how much produce the contractor will buy and at what price. The contractor often provides credit inputs and technical advice. Contracting is a way of allocating the risks between producer and contractor; the farmer takes the risk of production and the contractor the risk of marketing. The basis of such arrangement is the commitment of the farmer to provide a specific commodity in quantities and at quality standards as determined by the purchaser and the commitment of the company to support the farmers production and to purchase the commodity. The intensity of the contractual arrangements varies according to the depth and complexity of the provisions in each of areas. The advantages for farmer include: markets are secured, agro-industrial firm usually provides inputs and production services, often on credit, out-grower system often introduces new technology and also enables farmers to learn new skills, Farmers price risk is often reduced as many contracts specify prices in advance. (pre-planting price), out-grower system opens new markets which would otherwise be unavailable to smallscale farmers, central buying place close to the out-growers. The advantages for firm are working with small-scale farmers overcomes land constraints, purchase is more reliable and sustainable compared to an open-market purchase and the company faces less risk by not being responsible for production, strong business relation can be build up through the services, significant quantities can be purchased for meet the export demand.
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Agri Machinery
The Browns Company is the pioneer in agri machinery sector in Sri Lanka. The core strength of product range should be exploited to gain maximum sales turnover. As a business there should be a total solution to farmer for agri-machineries. Furthermore total concept should be created all the products & services under the one roof. Although these guidelines are aimed at many stakeholders, the central aim is to assist farmers to gain better access to agricultural equipment services in order to create better and improved linkages with agro-markets. The machinery business should be covered following important areas Coordination and build strong personal relations with all stakeholders Demand creation with appropriate marketing & promotion campaigns Synergistic associations with other commercial agri-business companies Consisting machinery testing program with Farm Mechanization Research Centre at Department of Agriculture in MahaIllupplama Maintain quality standard and improved business management Staff training on new machineries & technology Attainment of maximum competitive advantage through each & every activity Start machinery hiring services for farmers Reap the advantages of tax relief on machinery and materials Collaborating with Farm Mechanization Training Centre for training & developments Provide quality extension services Establish fully equipped machinery workshop & service centre Formation of Browns farmer societies The basic technology of agricultural machines has changed little in the last decade. However, technology is changing the way that humans operate the machines, as computer monitoring systems, GPS locators, and self-steer programs allow the most advanced tractors and implements to be more precise and less wasteful in the use of fuel, seed, or fertilizer. In the foreseeable future, some agricultural machines will be capable of driving themselves, using GPS maps and electronic sensors.
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Agro Tourism
The concept of Agrotourism is a direct expansion of ecotourism, which encourages visitors to experience agricultural life at first hand. Agrotourism is gathering strong support from small communities as rural people have realized the benefits of sustainable development brought about by similar forms of nature travel. Visitors have the opportunity to work in the fields alongside real farmers. In recent times there has been a tremendous increase in the interest surrounding the concept of agro tourism, and Sri Lanka is no exception to it. Sri Lankas complex paddy cultivation systems (developed over the course of 2500 years), huge ancient irrigational tanks and many tea and rubber plantations are examples of its diverse agricultural developments and agro tourism will be catering to a niche market of agro tourists. There are a range of other forms of rural tourism which are part of agrotourism in the strict sense - e.g. ethnotourism, project tourism, health tourism, historical tourism, cultural tourism or adventure tourism. The agrotourism main activities can be corporate with total agriculture plantations and its derivatives activates. The tour map is staring from agroforestry, paddy cultivation, organic farming, mango cultivation, vegetable garden, machinery yard, grain and legume cultivation, sunset & tanks, seed processing unit, banana cultivation, plant nursery, livestock production, home garden, compost production and herbal garden etc. Agro Meditation Center The open up new meditation center with closely utilizing the crop cultivations and its natural impression is suitable for this new concept. The benefits of agro meditation are not purely religious. Scientific studies reveal that the relaxation, concentration and maintenance of a self-observing attitude help alter metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and brain chemistry. Many patients suffering from stress and pain have turned to meditation to obtain relief. Spice garden and herbal garden are demanding sites for europium and middle- east foreigners.
spiece spiece
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Browns Agriculture Technology & Management College

Browns Agriculture Training College is established to improve the knowledge of practical aspects of agriculture and entrepreneurial management of agri-business. The target groups are poor farmers, commercial farmers, agriculture students and those who any of seek to earn a living by means of self-employment in agriculture Objectives Empower the community with agriculture and open up new employments Ensure the self sustainability of county Improve agricultural production at productive manner Promote new technology of modern agriculture
Area of Specialization Agriculture Business
Course out line Agro forestry Home gardening Organic fertilizer business Vegetable production Fruit production Green house management Livestock production Crop production Operation and detail of tractors Operation of harvesters Usage of other implements Cash crop cultivation aspects Paddy cultivation Maize cultivation Ornamental and foliage plants and cutflowers production Growing banana / papaw / mango / oranges & other fruits
Farm Machinery
Vegetable Production Field crop production
Floriculture
Fruit production
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Livestock Development
Poultry management Cattle & dairy production Swine management Aquaculture Goat management
Special Events The special product demonstrations for farmers, university / technical / school students, lecturers/teachers, Agribusiness entrepreneurs, Agriculture promotion/extension officers, People in management positions and other general public. Agri machinery library and agriculture book collection Opportunity for comprehensive machinery training on specialized areas such as service, maintenance, mechanical, driving & operation, spare parts, trouble shooting. Introducing new concepts and ideas of modern technology of machines Re-establish the Browns Tractor Training Center with day courses, short term and long term courses with full equipped training center in Sri Lanka Invite to all agri universities and agri schools students for free training classes on about machineries Maintain full equipped tractor workshop for paid repairs and maintain original spare parts inventory. Introducing learners with spare parts and functions of farm machineries Start the farm machinery research & development programs with collaborating FMRC & FMTC, INGOs, NGOs & other government institutes Integrated product & service promotion and other related activities Facilitators The resource person are industry specialized lecturers, government officers, agriculture instructors and specialized field officers are conducting the courses on base on the requirements.
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Browns Agriculture Technology Park

Our Agriculture Technology Park is the first time in Sri Lanka open up for experience of real natures paradise. This is a visitor friendly park which offers more than just any other parks. With its affinity to nature, the park is covered against a background of truly natural landscape with lush greenery of the plantation which creates a picture of a beautiful natural park all around. This park is knowledge oriented and recreational. The park also provides an ideal environment for nature-based activities that makes this park a worthy holiday destination. This is an excellent base to expand your knowledge on the taxonomy of plants that fits your taste and needs as well as the perfect escape from urban noise and pollution. The special area of the park consist of ;

Agriculture Machinery Museum Living Crop Museum Native Orchid Centre Bee Centre Germplasm Collection Ornamental Garden Fruit Garden Evolution Garden Agro-forestry Lake plants & aquaculture Animal Park Traditional village Techno Model Fram
The agri-machinery museum exhibits all the machineries collection and era of generations such as; Cultivator, Mulch tiller, Harrow, Spike harrow, Drag harrow, Disk harrow, Plow (or plough), Power tiller, Rotary tiller, Rototiller, Spading machine, Subsoiler, tractor, Stone picker, rock rake, Rotavator, Destoner, Bedtiller, Ridger, Roller, Broadcast seeder, Planter, Potato planter, Seed drill, Air seeder, Precision drill, Transplanter, Rice transplanter, Fertilizer spreader, Terragator, Liquid manure/slurry spreader (slurry tanker), Manure spreader, Sprayer, Slurry agitator, Drip irrigation, Hydroponics, Weight sorter, Color sorter, Blemish sorter, diameter sorter, Shape sorter, Density Sorter, Internal/taste sorter, tomato Harvester, Bean harvester, Cane harvester, Carrot harvester, Combine harvester, Conveyor belt, Corn harvester, Cotton picker, Fanning mill, Forage harvester (or silage harvester), Grain cleaner, Grain dryer, Gravity wagon, Potato spinner /digger, Potato harvester, Rice huller, Sickle, Silage trailer, Winnower, Hay rake, Mower, Grain auger, Feed grinder, Bale trailer, Reaper etc.
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Other Supportive Ventures / Processors

Compost Production This is sustainable venture which is to produce high quality compost using bio mass available in the plantation. A part of the compost produced is sold in the market, while the majority can be used for Browns Plantations to improve soil productivity & fertility.
Ethanol Production Ethanol is a clean-burning, high-octane fuel produced from renewable sources. At its most basic, ethanol is grain alcohol, produced from crops such as corn. Because it is domestically produced, ethanol helps reduce dependence upon foreign sources of energy. The majority of the ethanol can be made from corn, but it can also be produced from other feedstock such as grain sorghum, soya and potatoes. The world's other leading ethanol producer, makes the fuel from sugarcane. Ethanol can be made by a dry mill process or a wet mill process. Most of the ethanol in is made using the dry mill method, in which the starch portion of the corn is fermented into sugar then distilled into alcohol. Nationwide efforts continue toward the commercialization of cellulosic ethanol production. Cellulosic sources for ethanol include gini-grass and other perennial prairie grasses, corn, grain straw, rice or sugarcane bagasse, wood chips, paper pulp and even municipal waste. The technology exists today to turn these cellulosic sources into ethanol.
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Bio Diesel Production Biodiesel is a renewable fuel produced from animal and vegetable fats that can be used in diesel engines with little or no modification. Biodiesel is typically blended with petroleum diesel in formulations referred to as B2 (two percent biodiesel, 98 percent petroleum diesel), B5 (5 percent and 95 percent), B20 (20 percent and 80 percent), etc. Though biodiesel is most commonly used in these kinds of blends, it can also be used in its pure form (B100). Fats and oils are converted into biodiesel through a process known as transesterification, in which an alcohol combined with a catalyst break the material into methyl esters (biodiesel) and glycerin, a biodiesel co-product.
Biodiesel has a number of environmental and functional advantages over petroleum diesel. Biodiesel, made from renewable resources, does not deplete finite petroleum resources and is biodegradeable and non-toxic. Biodiesel is cleaner burning than petroleum diesel: studies show combustion of biodiesel emits 40-60 percent less greenhouse gas. The addition of biodiesel to petroleum diesel increases the lubricity of the fuel, reducing wear and extending the life of engine components. The bio diesel market and industry is totally new to Sri Lanka. But actually that wasnt in world market and they are producing and converting into new innovations. Diesel forms a much larger portion of overall petroleum demand in Europe than in the U.S., so it is not surprising that the E.U. has a relatively mature biodiesel industry and is the worlds leading regional producer. According to the European Biodiesel Board, the EU-25 collectively produced approximately 960 million gallons of biodiesel in 2005. In Europe the predominant biodiesel feedstock is rapeseed oil, which is one of the most efficient oilseed crops in terms of volume of oil per acre of harvested land.
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Apiculture Apiculture or beekeeping is the art of managing bees with the intention of getting the maximum return from this work with the minimum of expenditure. Bees produce swarms, wax and honey. The production of wax has some value, but this value is diminished by the cost of rendering. The production of honey is the main purpose of beekeeping, one that the beekeeper pursues before everything else, because this product is valuable and because it can be weighed and priced. Honey is an excellent food, a good remedy, the best of all sweeteners. Honey can sell in many forms just as we can consume it in many forms: as it is, in confectionery, in cakes and biscuits, in healthy and pleasant drinks mead, apple-less cider, grape-less wines. This is sustainable venture. Natural plant juices and nectars contain glucose, fructose. Glucose is directly and immediately assimilated without the intervention of saliva, gastric or intestinal juices. This sugar imposes no special demands, and enters directly into the circulation to undertake its nutritive task. Bee honey is good for people who suffer with their stomach or who are prone to diarrhea. An eminent digestive by itself, honey also helps in the digestion of other foods. Its aromatic principles, its acids, stimulate the salivary glands, and besides honey do not use the gastric juices. This overabundance of saliva, of gastric juice, contributes to the digestion of other foods and carries along the cumulated residues from the stomach that is why honey is digestive and somewhat laxative. Honey is thus especially suitable in cases of stomach ache, painful digestion, and constipation. Honey is also refreshing, it is recommended in cases of inflammation of the stomach and intestines, in kidney ailments and in bladder problems. For insomnia, it calms the nerves and encourages sleep. Many diabetics have benefited by using it. Supportive Processors - Food Processing Factories/ Packing / Storing/ Transporting All the factories and processors should meet the international export quality stranded such as ISO certifications, GMP, Organic certification, Best practices, Environmental certification, Halal certifications ect.
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The Way Forward - Browns Farms-By Harindu Lorensu Hewa

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The Way Forward - Browns Farms-By Harindu Lorensu Hewa

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Browns Farms Concept

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

Five-year-old plants - S. macrophylla trees of chaterctistics shape planted by small holder

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THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

Raw material Maize Soyabean

Usage (mt) 175,000 75,000

Local Production(mt) 32,948 728

Imports(mt) 125,000 75,000 Gap = 92,052 mt Gap = 74,272 mt

10,155.96 1,173 8.66 14.27 16,738.00 6,582.70

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

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THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

1324 kg/ha 24.36 32,515.47 11,435.68

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Oil-type sunflower seed is normally processed according to these steps:

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

Horticulture Crop Production

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THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

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Red fruit coat with white flesh

Yellow fruit coat with colour flesh

Red fruit coat with red flesh

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Cost of cultivation Under coconut, single row system, up to first harvest

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Size of planting hole 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm Spacing- 4.5 - 5.0 m x 4.5 - 5.0 m

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THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

Tissue Culture Laboratory & Nursery Management

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Consultancy & Extension Service

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Our Grower Concept / Contract Farming

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

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Browns Agriculture Technology & Management College

Area of Specialization Agriculture Business

Vegetable Production Field crop production

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

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Browns Agriculture Technology Park

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Other Supportive Ventures / Processors

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THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

THE WAY FORWARD BROWNS FARMS

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