Fostering organic agriculture is part of a wider program - President

COLOMBO (News 1st); President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed weaknesses in global food systems that will only be worsened by Climate Change.

Speaking virtually at the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 in New York the President said it is essential that all stakeholders work together to transform global food systems to be more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.

"Sustainable Food Systems are part of Sri Lanka's rich socio-Cultural and economic heritage," said the President adding that however, the recent past saw increasing use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides that led to adverse health and environmental impact.

"My government took the bold step to restrict imports of these harmful substances earlier this year. However, changing the mindset of farmers long accustomed to using chemical fertilizer had proven to be challenging," he added.

President Rajapaksa also went on to note that fostering organic agriculture is part of a wider program that includes enhancing market-oriented inclusive food value change to reduce rural poverty.

"Through such improvements, I am confident Sri Lanka will be able to sustainably transform its food system and ensure greater food security and better nutrition for its people," he said adding that leaders must aim to ensure a better future for the people and the planet.

The challenges we face are universal and we must work together to find solutions for them, he added.