Launch of the certificate in Agribusiness Management and Entrepreneurship.

The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) recently unveiled Sri Lanka’s first Agri entrepreneurship programme in transforming today’s farmers into tomorrow’s Agripreneurs, a revolutionary step towards strengthening the Sri Lankan economy and building 21st Century agricultural mindsets.

For the very first time in Sri Lanka, six collaborative partners; Agripreneurs Forum, Federation of Sri Lanka local government authority, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Smallholder Agriculture partnership programme and the Export Development board joined hands with SLIM to build an elemental force to bridge the knowledge gap of the agriculture sector.

Five strategic partners; Mobitel, Keells, SDB Bank, Samaposha, CBL and Onish Agriculture joined forces to strengthen its national rollout strategy under Mobile and technology, Retail, Banking, CSR and Agri sector partnerships respectively.

The Certificate in Agri-Business and Entrepreneurship (CABE) programme is also the first of its kind qualification available in Sri Lanka. The colourful grand launch took place with the patronage of Suresh De Mel, Chairman, Export Development Board, Andrea Bacarini, Public Economic Attache and Dr Ravi Fernando, Chairman, Global Strategic Sustainability Pvt Ltd who graced the occasion as Chief Guest and the Guests of Honour respectively.

Agriculture is often seen as the backbone of the local economy even today. While Sri Lanka is rapidly urbanizing and shifting towards a service-economy, the country remains largely rural, and agriculture is still seen as an industry with massive potential.

CABE is a three-month qualification conducted in all three languages and the course is delivered through a blended approach—onsite and online sessions depending on the nature of the module. The onsite sessions will be carried out in the Uva and Central provinces as required. Furthermore, the course consists of 11 modules, which will be delivered in the form of interactive learning sessions and practical assignments. The course covers the most important areas needed to pursue an agriculture-based venture, including Agri-Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture Finance, Legal Frameworks, People Management as well as Smart Agriculture. If you are an entrepreneur ready to take a leap of faith to build a thriving agribusiness, CABE is your stepping stone towards success.

Commenting on the launch of CABE, Roshan Fernando, President of SLIM stated, “SLIM is committed to empowering local entrepreneurs to propel the national economy. Most importantly, we strive to strengthen local entrepreneurs and give them wings to reach the pinnacle of success so that they can become an invaluable asset to the national economy.”

“Agriculture is a mirror image of the prosperity and self-sufficiency of a nation. We believe that a fortified agriculture sector has the potential to lead the nation to the developed status as all of us wish. With the sustainable agriculture know-how gifted by our ancestors and our fertile soil, this island nation is meant to be a global leader contributing to tomorrow’s food requirement,” said Charaka Perara, Project Chair Agri Saviya National Initiative.

Source from: Daily News(2021). SLIM unveils Agribusiness Management, Entrepreneurial Programme. Retrieve from: Daily News(March 15, 2021). https://www.dailynews.lk/2021/03/15/business/243975/slim-unveils-agribusiness-management-entrepreneurial-programme