Sewalanka Farm: Kalutara
Located in the rich, fertile valley of Kalu Ganga, Sewalanka Kalutara Farm specialises in the production quality seeds, seedlings and native shrubs. The climate is dry and mild, thus ideal for the production of quality, vigorous, well-rooted seedlings. The farm’s seed bank consists of 7 different traditional paddy and 14 local yam varieties and the vegetable plot is full of green vegetables such as ladies fingers, spinach, chili and brinjals. The wholesale and retail nursery produces and sells cinnamon, pepper and ericanut seedlings primarily for the Minor Export Crops Department.
Team’s effort involves the setting up of farmers’ groups in the district.Farmers who are interested in cultivating these varieties are taught specialist techniques such as organic manuring and natural pest control methods. At the end of the season farmers return one and half the quantity of seeds they borrowed from the seed bank, interested farmers from farmer groups are given these additional seeds, creating a revolving fund.
“Our seed bank specialises in identifying important traditional seed varieties and orienting the agricultural community towards conserving and cultivating them” says Ms. Chamari Lakmali, Programme Coordinator of Sewalanka Kalutara.
A fundamental element of the programme is to create awareness among youths, students and school teachers. For instance students are asked to collect information on indigenous varieties of seeds and seedlings grown in their area, collect samples of these varieties and then present and display their work. These sessions illustrate the importance of the diversity of traditional varieties of seeds and seedlings.
Farmer groups are also encouraged and so far eight organic farmers’ groups have been established that share a common interest in organic farming and indigenous seed conservation. The next step Sewalanka want to support is networking these groups so they can share information and experiences as well as exchange seeds. “We want the farmers to eventually take over the management of the farm” Chamari said.
The farm includes a wholesale and retail nursery.“We pride ourselves on delivering top quality seedlings to both the government and private sector” says Chamari. The money earned selling them goes towards covering the farm’s expenses. The Farm Manager Mr. Amila Sampath expressed how it is not all about growing and weeding: the farm also offers educational opportunities, learning about food consumption, the morality of food production, and the importance of locally produced meals.
The Sewalanka Kalutara farm could serve as a model for other farming communities. They encourage inspection of their seeds and seedling stocks, and each and every visitor will have a personalised tour of their dedicated work.
To find out more, please feel free to contact the Kalutara team at kalutara@sewalanka.org