Reinforcing its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s rural communities and agricultural entrepreneurs, LOLC Finance recently launched its islandwide agricultural awareness and farmer knowledge-sharing programme, ‘LOLC Govi Diri Danamuthu’, with its inaugural session held in Monaragala.
The first session brought together 55 farmers for an interactive knowledge-sharing experience focused on strengthening agricultural knowledge, business capabilities and awareness, while empowering participants to build more sustainable and resilient livelihoods.
The programme also provided LOLC Finance with an opportunity to engage with both existing and prospective customers while contributing to the development and sustainability of the local farming community in Monaragala. The district plays a significant role in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector and has a strong presence of farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
The interactive programme addressed practical areas aimed at helping farmers manage their agricultural operations more effectively and develop sustainable businesses. Key topics included modern and sustainable farming practices, crop productivity and yield management, pest and disease control, efficient water and resource management, financial planning and cash flow management, entrepreneurship and business development, market awareness, and value-added opportunities in agribusiness.
A dedicated session also focused on preparing farmers for anticipated El Niño conditions. Participants were provided with practical knowledge on managing farming activities under changing weather conditions, mitigating potential impacts and preparing for possible outcomes.
The programme was facilitated by experienced agricultural resource personnel and industry experts, together with representatives from LOLC Finance, allowing participants to gain insights that could be applied directly to their day-to-day farming activities.
LOLC Finance Assistant General Manager, Personal Finance, Aruna Logus said, “At LOLC Finance, we believe that empowering the farmers with knowledge is as important as providing financial support. Through these series of programmes, we continue to strengthen the rural communities by helping the entrepreneurs and farmers improve productivity, adopt better agricultural practices and access the financial solutions needed to grow their businesses. Our commitment extends beyond lending, as we strive to create long-term value by supporting sustainable livelihoods and economic development across Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.”
The programme is expected to help farmers translate the knowledge gained into practical improvements in agricultural operations and business performance. It aims to encourage the adoption of new technologies and improved farming practices while supporting farm expansion, mechanisation, increased profitability and more sustainable livelihoods.
These outcomes are expected to strengthen farmers’ resilience and contribute to the long-term growth of their agricultural enterprises, particularly as they navigate changing weather patterns and evolving market conditions.
Participant farmer S.P. Chula Dhamayanthi from Monaragala said, “The Govi Diri Danamuthu programme conducted by LOLC Finance is an important initiative for us. During the programme, we gained useful knowledge from the agricultural officers on how to improve our crop yields and effectively manage diseases and infections in paddy fields.
“We also learned about the challenges the farmers in Monaragala and surrounding areas are facing due to the changing weather conditions, including the changes in the rainfall patterns. The programme gave us practical knowledge that can be applied to our day-to-day farming activities. It is encouraging to see LOLC Finance supporting the farmers not only through lending but also by providing valuable agricultural knowledge and awareness. I hope LOLC Finance will continue to conduct more programmes to support the farmers and strengthen the agricultural community in the future.”
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