Empowering Women in Agriculture: The Success Story of Pradeepa & Chamila

Pradeepa Sanjeewani and Chamila Niroshini are two sisters from Kappetipola, Sri Lanka who have successfully ventured into the greenhouse capsicum?farming?industry as agripreneurs for over two years. They are among the growing number of women in the country who account for 5% of the?total?number of Sri Lankan?farmers. They take on crucial roles in the?farming?industry and strive to break the stereotype in?farming?communities. Keells recognizes the important role that women play in the agriculture sector and is actively taking steps to develop female agripreneurs.?Increasing women in value chains is a key aspect of ONE JKH – the John Keells Group’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion brand. The Keells initiatives that are underway to empower female agripreneurs, supports John Keells Group’s vision of onboarding more women entrepreneurs and women-owned businesses to its supply chains.

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Sourcing necessary fertilizers and pesticides needed for?farming?was a challenge for the sibling duo, which was a common challenge faced by?farmers?in Sri Lanka in the past few months as a result of the fertilizer ban that was imposed in the country. Without being discouraged at the face of such challenges, Pradeepa and Chamila started experimenting with alternative, natural options such as banana peels to make natural fertilizer with the support of Keells field officers. We also supported them to find and purchase fertilizer at a subsidized price, especially when prices were skyrocketing in the market. The support provided by the Keells team helped them to expand their cultivation and continuously supply their fresh produce to Keells Supermarkets.

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Another obstacle the sisters faced was the inability to transport their crops to Keells in a timely manner, which is essential for preserving the freshness of the harvest, due to the fuel shortage in the country. To overcome this challenge, Pradeepa and Chamila joined forces with nine other?farmers?in the area and began transporting their?crops together. This teamwork and collaboration led to a successful outcome that was beneficial for all parties involved.

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Keells continues to support?farmers?like this in their efforts to provide the freshest and highest quality produce for consumers. As women in the industry, Pradeepa and Chamila have faced many challenges, but they serve as shining examples of strong and empowered individuals who are making a positive impact in their community. They inspire other women to take charge of their lives and empower themselves to become valuable contributors to the economy and community.