President rallies world for agri revolution in line with nature
Tells forum organised by SL during UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow people should coexist with nature than act against it
Refers to brickbats and bouquets for SL’s policy decision to
reduce import of chemical fertilizer and shift to organic agriculture
Admits implementation of progressive policies challenging
amidst development agenda, particularly post-pandemic
Hopes developed nations will extend fullest support to
developing nations
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said Sri Lanka’s policy framework was committed to sustainable development growth despite the heavy criticism and challenges faced due to resource constraints.
The President made these remarks addressing a special
conference organised by Sri Lanka on the sidelines of the United Nations
Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, Scotland.
The theme of Sri Lanka’s event was ‘Rediscovering Nitrogen:
Solutions and Synergies for Climate Change, Health, Biodiversity and Circular
Economy’ and included Sri Lankan and international speakers.
“My Government’s policy framework emphasises sustainability.
This is reflected in Sri Lanka’s ambitious updated Nationally Determined
Contributions to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) Mechanism,” President Rajapaksa said.
He stressed on the imperative need for a new agricultural
revolution that was not against nature, whilst pointing out that people should
coexist with the environment rather than act against it.
“The challenge faced by us now is to use modern scientific
techniques and practices to enhance agricultural production without causing
environmental degradation. For decades, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has been a
serious issue in Sri Lanka’s agricultural heartland. The overuse of chemical
fertiliser has contributed significantly to this problem,” the President said,
adding in this context that the Government took firm steps to reduce imports of
chemical fertiliser, whilst strongly encouraging organic agriculture.
“Although the policy decision has been broadly appreciated,
it has also met with some criticism and resistance. In addition to chemical
fertiliser lobby groups, this resistance has come from farmers who have grown
accustomed to overusing fertilisers as an easy means of increasing yields,”
Rajapaksa said.
The President also pointed out that this was particularly
unfortunate, considering Sri Lanka’s rich agricultural heritage.
He said Sri Lanka’s progressive agenda on the environment
were being implemented despite the resource constraints it faced as a
developing nation, whilst pointing out that sustaining such a policy alongside
development programs was challenging for all developing nations, especially
following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The President expressed hope that developed countries would
extend their fullest support to such nations through development assistance, technology
transfers, skills development, investment and financing support.
He also asserted that there was also a major role for
businesses in this endeavour and significant returns to be made in investments
in sustainability.
“All of us alive today are custodians of this planet on
behalf of future generations. We must all work together to ensure its health by
contributing in whatever way we can. If we all do this in a spirit of
togetherness and goodwill, I am certain we will succeed in making a positive
change for our people and for our planet,” President Rajapaksa said.
Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that Sri Lanka
had become the first country in the world to take the decision to convert
conventional agricultural lands into 100% organic lands. He said this move
aimed to create a green socio-economy with sustainable solutions for climate
changes.
The Minister expressed appreciation for all scientists,
late, and alive, for their work on nitrogen and said: “Centuries after
discovering nitrogen, we are rediscovering nitrogen.”
Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil Jasinghe expressed
views on Sri Lanka’s aspirations on climate resilience and adaptation: COP26
and beyond.
High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to the UK Saroja Sirisena
also shared views on sustainable development
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