“Agri Farm Clinic and Baseline Survey”
Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University launched its ceremonial community participatory field programme of “Agri Farm Clinic and Baseline Survey” under the direction of the UWU-Integrated Community Development Project (UWU-ICDP) at Agrarian Services Center, Kumbalwela on Wednesday the 17th August 2022. UWU-ICDP aims to foster a steadfast relationship between Uva Wellassa University and Uva Agriculture Community to generate mutual benefits in a sustainable manner. This event was organized by the UWU-ICDP academic team of the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture as an extension programme of Uva Agriculture Development Forum (UADF) with the financial assistance of the AHEAD ELTA ELSE DP Project. The event was attended by 25 undergraduates of the faculty together with staff members and over 32 officials of Uva Province-based agricultural services providing public organizations such as the Department of Agriculture – Uva Province, Department of Animal Production and Health – Uva Province, Divisional Agrarian Development Center, Kumbalwela and Demo Fertilizer Pvt. Ltd. Representing Department of Agriculture – Uva Province, officers from Assistant Director Office of Agriculture (ADA) at Bandarawella, Uva Provincial Inservice Training Institute and Beekeeping Development Unit at Bidunuwawa, Regional Agricultural Research Center and Seed Certification and Planting Material Development Unit at Kahagolla extended special technical assistance. Over 120 small- medium- and large-scale farmers and farmer society leaders engaging in crop cultivation and animal husbandry from Kumbalwela, Halpe and Ella Agricultural Instructor ranges participated in this event.
Ms. R.M. Nilmini Renuka, Divisional Agrarian Development Officer, Agrarian Service Center, Kumbalwela, welcomed the gathering at the inauguration ceremony. Prof. Saman K. Herath, Dean, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture gave an overview to the UWU-Integrated Community Development Project. He also emphasized the expectations of Uva Wellassa University to provide its services to the farming community, specially in Uva province and also the establishment of the Uva Agriculture Development Forum to achieve such objectives by the Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture. Mrs. Ayesha Gunawardena, Director, Department of Agriculture – Uva Province presented the current status of agriculture in Uva province. She also appreciated the importance of working collectively for serving to the agricultural community of Uva Province. Dr. Lalith Amarathunga delivered the vote of thanks for having introduced to the Agri Farm Clinic and Baseline Survey.
The integrated approach of the Agri Farm Clinic event facilitated the rural farming community to access expert advice on soil health, cropping practices, plant protection, post-harvest technology, clinical services for animals, feed and fodder management, value addition, exploring new market avenues, prices of various crops in the market, training, and services such as a supply of quality seeds and planting materials, farming instruments, etc. within one information hub of Agrarian Services Center. Meanwhile, UWU academic staff and undergraduates had an opportunity to identify the research needs on farmers’
problems and issues, and also the expertise of service providing organization to focus farmer specific problems and provide viable solutions through one-to-one contact. Additionally, undergraduates engaged with the baseline survey in order to gather information on the current socio-economic status of farmers, farm and household-related data, and explore the opportunities for start-up entrepreneurial agribusiness and value addition. This baseline information would be utilized for planning and developing strategies for establishing a “UWU Integrated Model Village” in Kumbalwela, Halpe, and Ella Agriculture Instructor areas.
Some Events on Agri Farm Clinic & Baseline Survey
Banner on Model Village Concept
Farmers’ arrivals and Registration for the Program
Ceremonial opening of “Agri Farm Clinic and Baseline survey” remarking tradition of oil lamping by the Chief Guests of the event DEAN of FASEA, Head of EA, and Head of AS
Welcome address by Divisional Officer, Agrarian Service Center, Kumbalwela Addressing Chief Gust – Dean of Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture and Uva Provincial Director of Agriculture
Invited Resources persons of Uva Province Agriculture Related Institute
Students conducting Baseline Survey
Farmers getting advice and gaining practical knowhow of management of bee-keeping
Farmers getting advice and gaining practical knowhow of management of bee-keeping
Scientists addressing the farmers’ problems and advising with viable solutions
Veterinary Scientists address the animal health and husbandry-related problems
Sharing University Expertise knowledge with farmers’ field experience
Farmers collecting seeds other planting materials, beekeeping instruments, boxes, and publications from the Agri Farm Clinic center.
Agri Farm Clinic organizers attending a media conference
Progress review of Agri Farm Clinic by gathering resource persons at summing up the session
Team of Agri Farm Clinic and Baseline Survey conducted at Kumbalewela Agrarian Service Center