While Covid-19 took all of us by surprise, it would be fair to say that all individuals and countries as a whole, have come to a realization that we are all dependent on each other to different extents in order to survive, especially where the food chain is concerned.
This has left many of us with difficulties in obtaining necessary food and other items, some of which can be easily overcome if we had taken prior action.
Sri Lanka however, is an interesting example of a country with a long-standing, national policy on self-sufficiency. Since gaining independence in 1948, agricultural policies in Sri Lanka have generally been aimed at meeting public demand in all food crops. Unfortunately this motive seems to be neglected since the day excessive technology started ruling the world.
During times of scarcity, countries that are heavily dependent on food imports like Sri Lanka are at a distinct disadvantage in terms of food security as compared to nations who can rely on local crop production to meet dietary demands.
Owing to this realization back in 2019 even before the pandemic struck, The Present Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva initiated, “Thuru Mithuru Nawa Ratak” with the sole aim of re-establishing a self sufficient Sri Lanka.
While always being a firm believer in purpose-driven initiatives, IKON took up all Digital Marketing grounds of this very initiative by means of a CSR project, to give back to the society towards achieving this dire and timely need.
“Thuru Mithuru Nawa Rata” is scheduled to take place in 3 distinct phases.
Phase 01 was successfully completed insuring the First week of May, once the army concluded cultivation in over 1500 acres of Land owned by the Sri Lanka Army itself around the island, with the help of many corporate and individual donors.
Phase 02 is currently in progress where the army requests the help of corporate entities in sourcing equipment and other necessities in order to facilitate cultivation in 2,200+ acres owned by low income earning families. These families will also be given required knowledge and material in order to encourage them to cultivate in their own lands while creating a domestic agricultural economy.
Phase 03 will involve the army’s efforts at acquiring crown lands across the island to further expand cultivation in areas with favorable factors.