A comprehensive high-level discussion was held today – on Friday (07 August 2026) at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, to formulate new action plans centered on the cooperative movement to safeguard the Northern Province’s food security against the impacts of climate change, rising production costs, and market challenges.
The discussion focused on a wide range of issues, including sustainably strengthening food security in the Northern Province through the cooperative movement, increasing agricultural production, enhancing farmers’ incomes, promoting value addition, improving marketing systems, and expanding youth participation. Deliberations were based on the concept paper prepared for strengthening cooperative-led food security in the province
Speaking at the outset of the discussion, the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province emphasized that food production in the province must not be allowed to be adversely affected by climate change. He stressed the need to explore and implement practical, cooperative-based approaches to strengthen the Northern Province’s food security, stating, “We must identify and implement practical ways to strengthen the North’s food security through cooperative organizations.”
During the discussion, observations from the field visits conducted yesterday to cooperative producers’ associations were also presented. It was highlighted that, although many cooperative producers are engaged in high-quality production, limited market access and marketing remain their greatest challenges.
The discussion further identified the need to create modern market opportunities for cooperative products, modernize product branding, labeling, and packaging, and undertake comprehensive market research to better understand consumer preferences and market demand.
To support this initiative, it was decided to submit a proposal to the Ministry of Agriculture to undertake a comprehensive market study of cooperative products from the Northern Province in collaboration with the Faculties of Management and Technology of universities, researchers, and industry experts.
The discussion also emphasized the need to submit a comprehensive action plan to the Ministry of Agriculture to identify underutilized buildings, machinery, equipment, and other assets owned by cooperative societies and to repurpose them to enhance production capacity and strengthen food security across the Northern Province.
The discussion also focused extensively on new initiatives to encourage greater youth participation in the agricultural sector. Particular attention was given to further expanding vocational training programmes through the training centres of the Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture, with a focus on the operation, maintenance, and repair of agricultural machinery, as well as the application of modern agricultural technologies.
It was also emphasized that integrated proposals should be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Finance through the Honorable Governor, not only to develop a skilled workforce capable of operating and maintaining agricultural machinery, but also to create sustainable livelihood and employment opportunities for young people across the Northern Province.
The discussion also emphasized the need to expand quality seed production through cooperative producers’ societies. Participants explored opportunities to enhance local agricultural production by ensuring the supply of high-quality seeds to cooperative societies and to develop the Northern Province into a leading hub for quality seed production through collaboration with relevant institutions.
The discussion also focused extensively on practical measures to strengthen the dairy sector in the Northern Province by increasing milk production. In addition to enhancing the production and marketing of value-added dairy products, participants emphasized the need to provide dairy farmers with comprehensive artificial insemination services, access to quality animal feed, and improved veterinary services to boost productivity and ensure the sustainable growth of the sector.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of linkages with the education sector. The possibilities of implementing a pilot program in the Northern Province to provide raw materials for the school feeding program through cooperatives were explored.
It was also noted that by creating opportunities to sell cooperative products in school cafeterias in accordance with current circulars, a sustainable local market can be created for cooperatives.
Furthermore, recognizing that eggs or meat are not included in the school midday meal programme in some schools, the discussion explored the possibility of supplying protein-rich alternative food items through cooperative organizations to help meet the nutritional needs of students. Participants also considered integrating such initiatives into the school feeding programme through the cooperative network.
The discussion also emphasized the need for an integrated approach involving government institutions, cooperative organizations, universities, the private sector, and development partners. It was noted that the cooperative movement should be viewed not merely as a commercial enterprise, but as a strategic mechanism for strengthening food security, enhancing rural livelihoods, stimulating local economic development, and promoting long-term social sustainability across the Northern Province.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretaries of the Provincial Ministries of Education and Agriculture, officials from the Australian High Commission, Provincial Directors, Project Directors, Senior Lecturer Dr. Akilan Kathirkamar, representatives of the Ministries of Education and Agriculture of central Government, officials of the Planning Department, representatives of the Department of Cooperative and many other government officials and stakeholders.
