Stories from Sri Lanka: Visit to Angammana SANASA Society
The Angammana SANASA Society is one of the cooperatives we visited in Sri Lanka. Like the other farmer-producer groups we've met, they are engaged mainly in black pepper production, but they also cultivate cloves, turmeric, cinnamon, and other spices.
The group received funding from the APFP-FO4A program (implemented by Asian Farmers' Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union), which they used to purchase a drying machine.
Best practices observed:
• Their shop is located along a main road (in Central Province), which gives them good visibility and easy access for consumers.
• Investing in a pepper drying machine has paid off as they can now consistently produce high-quality black pepper. Previously, they relied on sun drying, which was unpredictable.
• The cooperative employs a dedicated technician to operate the drying machine and other equipment, which ensures reliable output.
• They are partnering with government agencies to access training that helps farmers improve crop yields and adopt sustainable practices.
• The cooperative’s leadership includes women, a good example of representation and inclusivity within farmer organizations.
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