From Ratnapura District 376tons of fresh green pepper was collected from Kolonna, Godagama, Abagahayaya and Dadayamkanda for Rs.145/- per kilogram (while the market price was Rs.135/- for this season). It was amounted to close to 55million rupees for the farming communities. The next season is expected to be on a much larger scale for the exporters and farmers alike.
Dadayamkanda is just 10km away from the Sinharaja Rain Forest. As farmers, they were facing a huge crisis (Minimum Farm gate price) to sell their pepper due to many intermediates. After this market linkage, farmers were able to identify and sell their fresh green pepper to a maximum farm gate price to the right exporters/buyers straight away without a middle party for a very good price, this is a huge success financially for them (amount to be included mil.)
Due to this linkage, farmers have organised the primary producer groups and are willing to work with the exporter hereafter. The farmers are keener to improve the quality of pepper and meet export standards while getting better yields and increased revenue.
