Agro Technology Park Gannoruwa
Description
The Agro Technology Park Gannoruwa, managed by the Department of Agriculture in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is a significant agricultural hub. It provides efficient, effective, and integrated agricultural extension services through agro-technology parks and exhibitions. The park aims to facilitate better public access to agricultural information and promote agro-tourism, showcasing the concept of edible landscaping while conserving traditional agricultural values. This approach seeks to improve productivity, optimize profitability, and ensure sustainability.
Read More in Details
Originally known as the Audio Visual Center (AVC), established in 1980, the institute was transformed into the National Agriculture Technology Park in 2004. In 2016, it was upgraded to the National Agriculture Information and Communication Center (NAICC), with the Agro Technology Park Unit Gannoruwa established to manage the park and conduct exhibitions.
Mission and Objectives
The primary mission of the Agro Technology Park Gannoruwa is to provide integrated agricultural extension services and promote agro-tourism. Its objectives include:
- Disseminating timely, demand-responsive agrarian information.
- Conducting national-level agricultural exhibitions.
- Promoting edible landscaping to motivate home gardening activities.
- Protecting traditional and indigenous farming knowledge and technologies.
- Training NVQ level 4, 5, and 6 students in agriculture.
Services and Activities
The park offers a variety of services and activities, such as:
- Agriculture extension through demonstrations and exhibitions.
- Venue arrangement for special functions.
- Consultancy for edible landscaping and agro-tourism.
- Practical training in agriculture, including mushroom cultivation.
- Organizing street dramas to convey technical messages to rural communities.
Facilities and Demonstrations
The park consists of over 30 agricultural demonstration plots, covering home gardening, mushroom cultivation, pest and disease management, soil conservation, and organic cultivation. It also features a tea garden, rice cultivation areas, and a traditional food court, among other attractions.
Visit and Contact Information
The Agro Technology Park Gannoruwa is open to the public throughout the week, including Saturdays, but remains closed on Sundays and public holidays. The operating hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entrance ticket fees for visitors are as follows:
- For Local Visitors:
- Adults: Rs 20.00
- School children: Rs 5.00
- Children (under 12 years): Rs 10.00
- For Foreign Visitors:
- Adults: Rs 200.00
- Children (under 12 years): Rs 100.00
This pricing structure offers an affordable educational opportunity for local and international visitors to explore the diverse agricultural exhibits and learn about various agricultural practices and technologies.
Visitors can contact the park at [email protected] or call +94 812 388618 for more details or inquiries.
For more information, visit the Department of Agriculture Sri Lanka's website.
