From Sri Lanka to Asia: JICA and Department of Agriculture launched the first Asia regional training to promote market-oriented agriculture

On September 12, 2025, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Department of Agriculture, successfully concluded the 5-day international training program on the Market Oriented Agriculture Promotion - Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) approach. The training program was held from September 8^th to 12^th in Gannoruwa, Peradeniya.

The event brought together 32 senior government officials from 10 Asian countries, which are Bangladesh, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Maldives and Tajikistan, aiming to foster the adoption of market-oriented agriculture with a focus on empowering smallholder horticulture farmers. The Sri Lanka-based training served as the field-based extension of a two-week theoretical module held earlier in Japan under JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP). Participants were engaged in practical, on-the-ground experiences through this program, witnessing the successful local implementation of the SHEP approach in Sri Lanka which has significantly increased the income level of smallholder vegetable farmers in the pilot project sites by 81%.

The SHEP is an agricultural development approach initiated by JICA in Kenya in 2006. This approach aims to introduce market-oriented agriculture, transforms the traditional “grow and sell” mindset into a “grow to sell” approach, specifically targeting smallholder farmers. JICA aims to deliver agricultural extension services utilizing the SHEP approach to one million small-scale farmers by 2030. Through these efforts, JICA seeks to improve farmers' incomes and revitalize rural economies, contributing to poverty reduction in rural areas.

During the training, participants conducted live market surveys at the Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center, developed location-specific crop calendars, and interacted directly with farmers and traders.

Field visits to Walapane in the Nuwara Eliya District demonstrated real-world success stories. Local farmer groups reported that they have improved income, reduced production costs, and better market alignment after adopting SHEP principles. This training didn’t just offer knowledge; it has built skills and confidence, through learning how to conduct market surveys and prepare plans accordingly, thereby making a real difference to farmers on the ground.

The closing ceremony was graced by Hon. Nihal Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, Mr. D.P. Wickramasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. K.A.T.W. Wickramarachchi, Director General of Department of Agriculture and other senior officials, alongside Mr. Kenji Kuronuma, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, and Dr. Jiro Aikawa, Senior Advisor of JICA / Global SHEP Coordinator. Certificates were awarded to participants in recognition of their successful completion of the program.

Both JICA and the Department of Agriculture reaffirmed their commitment to scaling up the SHEP approach within Sri Lanka and across participating countries. As the program concluded, delegates departed equipped with practical strategies to promote sustainable, market-oriented agriculture in their home nations.