Brazilian Ambassador Jorge Geraldo Kadri met with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, K.D. Lal Kantha, today (13) at the Ministry of Agriculture in Battaramulla.
During the meeting, discussions focused on the application of new technologies in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. The Ambassador stated that he would discuss with his home country to provide assistance from Brazil in integrating technology into commercial agriculture.
“Brazilian Ambassador meets Agriculture Minister Lal Kantha”
Both Brazil and Sri Lanka are tropical countries, sharing similar characteristics. As one of the world’s leading agricultural producers and exporters, Brazil plays a crucial role in the global food supply chain. A large land area, diverse climatic zones, and advanced agricultural technology are key reasons for Brazil’s agricultural success.
Soybeans, coffee, sugarcane, oranges, corn, beef, and poultry are among Brazil’s main export categories. The Cerrado region—Brazil’s central plateau area, which was considered unsuitable for cultivation until the 1970s—has been transformed into one of the world’s most fertile agricultural zones by adding lime to the soil and introducing new crop varieties.
Due to the abundance of large-scale farms, modern machinery and satellite technology are widely utilized for harvesting, fertilization, and crop maintenance. Ethanol produced from sugarcane is used as a primary fuel in Brazil’s transportation sector, popularised as an eco-friendly energy solution. The Brazilian government’s agricultural research institution, EMBRAPA, has been a major pillar in driving this agricultural revolution by introducing new crop varieties resilient to tropical climates.
The Brazilian Ambassador stated that agricultural welfare can be maintained between the two countries. He also mentioned plans to implement a livestock management project with Sri Lanka in the future, emphasizing Brazil’s willingness to cooperate fully in agricultural matters. It was also noted that Brazil is willing to share necessary knowledge regarding soil-friendly cultivation technologies, which are very effectively utilized in Brazil.
The Minister pointed out that although Sri Lanka is advanced in the poultry and egg industries, it lags somewhat behind in the dairy industry, with domestic production fulfilling only about 38% of the national demand. Therefore, special attention has been directed toward enhancing dairy production.
The Ambassador noted that while political relations between the two countries are strong, economic ties need to be further strengthened. The Minister expressed Sri Lanka’s strong willingness to build and expand relations with Brazil.
D.P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, also participated in this occasion.
Ajith Weerasuriya
