Vikalpani Training Center of Seed Production (විකල්පනී බීජ ගොවිපල ඉගෙනුම් මධ්යස්ථානය)
The Samanala Group of Vikalpani operates this field learning site on the farmland of Margret Lili Salaman. At this centre, you can gain hands-on experience in agroecological seed production, including planting, breeding, and processing techniques.
Training sessions are conducted by experienced women trainers from Vikalpani. This site also offers residential training programs for those interested in learning more about agroecology in a practical setting.
Address: Kaluwaragas Dowa, Lakeside, 4th Channel
Contact Number: +94 71 106 6819
Vikalpani Agroecological Farming Training Center (විකල්පනී පාරිසරික කෘෂිකර්ම ඉගෙනුම් පුහුණු මධ්යස්ථානය)
Vikalpani Agroecological Farming Training Center offers comprehensive, hands-on training in agroecology at its field site. The program covers key areas including soil and land preparation, farm planning methods, preparation of organic inputs (such as organic fertilizer, pest repellents, and other natural solutions), plant maintenance, harvesting techniques, post-harvest storage, and broader agricultural knowledge.
Training sessions are conducted by experienced female farmers. Participants have the opportunity to attend two- to three-day residential training programs for in-depth learning.
This field training site is managed by the Sama Mawatha Women’s Group, led by Irangani and Priyanka.
Address: Samamawatha, Maligawila
Contact Number: +94 71 194 5175
Vikalpani Parachute Paddy Cultivation Training Farmland (විකල්පණී පැරෂූට් වී වගා පුහුණු ගොවිපළ)
The Parachute Method, also known as the seedling broadcasting method, is an effective and increasingly popular approach to rice farming. Promoted by agricultural institutions across Sri Lanka, this tray-based nursery system helps reduce costs and increase yields compared to conventional rice cultivation methods.
Samntha Ramya Kumari from the Samanala Group is a leading practitioner and trainer of the parachute method. At her training centre, she cultivates traditional rice varieties using agroecological practices under the parachute method. Visitors to her farmland have the opportunity to learn hands-on about parachute paddy cultivation and its benefits in sustainable agriculture.
Address: 1st Channel, Okkampitiya
Contact Number: +94 55 227 3121
Ecological Farming Training Center (EFTC)
The Ecological Farming Training Centre (EFTC), located in Pannala, Sri Lanka, is dedicated to promoting agroecology and sustainable farming practices. EFTC specialises in various rice cultivation methods, including the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), upland farming, and other innovative agricultural services.
EFTC offers expert consultations for farmland development and delivers a range of training programs, including residential courses for participants at the local, national, and international levels. EFTC team consists of experienced trainers who also provide on-site training by visiting your farmland to offer hands-on guidance. This includes the commercial farming practices as well.
In addition to training, EFTC produces high-quality organic inputs, such as compost, which are available upon request. They also work closely with university students, offering them practical training opportunities to enhance their learning and field experience.
Whether you’re a farmer, student, or agricultural professional, EFTC is willing to guide you in advancing ecological farming practices.
Address: Sheelananda Mawatha , Kuliyapitiya Road, Pannala
Focal Person: H.M Premarathne
Contact Number: +94773187632
Email: eftc.lk@gmail.com
Vikalpani has empowered a team of skilled female trainers who provide expert training in agroecology, paddy cultivation, upland farming, and other sustainable agricultural practices they actively implement. These trainers are also champions in establishing school home gardens and household gardens, sharing the best farming strategies to efficiently manage your space and ensure food security for your household.
Additionally, the Vikalpani Trainers Pool specialises in sessions on food security, livelihood development, the impact of pesticides, and other agriculture-related topics.
oUR Ongoing PROJECTS
The work we currently do with our communities
Enhancing the women farmers’ economic leadership through developing seed banks
Donor -UNFPA partnering with Alience Development Fund
This project aims to empower women farmers by encouraging them to develop their economic capacities through seed production and marketing activities. The seed-producing and marketing society is strengthened.
Organic agriculture capacity building and advocacy project
Donor -Misereor partnering with Lanka Organic Agricultural Movement
Ensuring Local Food Sovereignty through a Women-Led Agroecological Approach and Agri-Based Value Chain Development
Empowering Youth as Change Agents in Advancing Agroecological Food Systems
Donor -PANAP through APEX platform
To empower 20 youths to contribute to women-led agroecological practices through their own innovative and creative approaches.
Documenting the Negative Impact of Highly Hazardous Pesticides on Rural Women and Exploring Women’s Roles in Advancing Sustainable Food Systems through Alternative Practices.
Donor - PANAP through APEX platform
To document the diverse impacts of highly hazardous pesticides on women, including health, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, and to document women’s alternative agricultural practices that contribute to advancing the food system.
Promoting agroecology transition from a rights-based perspective to tackle multiple crises
Donor - AGROECOLOGY FUND partnering with PANAP
This project aims to support the agroecology initiatives of communities in South Asia as real climate solutions, particularly in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. By supporting these initiatives, the project will contribute to further strengthening the global rural peoples' movement for food sovereignty, agroecology, and climate justice.