Training

Department of Export Agriculture is a technical Department which produces new technologies for improvement of traditional cultivation, harvesting and processing practices of Export Agriculture Crops. To transfer new technologies to stakeholders of the sector training activities have been organized in a broad spectrum. Training programs of the department include In-service training, Farmer training, and Cinnamon peeler training

In-Service training center of the department is located at Elwala, Matale. The center has residential facilities and equipped with all learning facilities.

For Whom :
In-service training programs are conducted for Farmer Groups, Community Based Organizations, NGOs, groups of Entrepreneurs, Other public/semi-public Institutes or Departments who are interested in gaining knowledge on cultivation, processing, and marketing of  EAC such as Cinnamon, Pepper, Coffee, Cocoa etc.

Nature of the Service :
Training programs are conducted at the In-Service Training Centre located at Elwala, Matale. Programs are essentially residential. Duration varies from 2-5 days. Lectures are conducted by training officers of the ISTC, Reseach Officers, Assistant Directors, and external resource persons.

Lectures will follow practical sessions in cultivation plots near to ISTC. Field visits are also arranged according to the necessities of programs. Food and lodging are provided to the trainees.

How to apply for the service :
Submit a written request to the Director General or to the Assistant Director (Training). Requests can also be made to DG or AD(ISTC) through district ADs.  Service is provided at At free of charge. Applications should be forwarded at least within three months after the request

Responsible Officers and contact information :
Mr. L. H. Dilan S. Lakshman, Assistant Director (Training)

Farmer training programs

For Whom :
Farmer training programs are conducted for Farmers, Farmer Groups and Community Based Organizations who are interested in solving field problems in cultivation, processing, and marketing of EAC such as Cinnamon, Pepper, Coffee, Cocoa etc.

Nature of the Service :
Extension Officers or Research and Development Assistants conduct the farmer training classes. Training is given either in farmer fields or as a group class in a selected venue. Type of training is decided by mutual discussions of trainers and Farmers. Training is given in the fields of soil conservation, crop establishment, shade control, pest disease control, fertilizer application etc. for EAC.

How to apply for the service :
A request can be made to the Extension Officer based at the nearest Agrarian Service Centre (only on Wednesdays 8.30 a.m – 4.15 p.m) or to the District Assistant Director of the district. Service is at free of charge and should apply at least before 03 months of the requested date.

Responsible Officers and contact information :
District Assistant Director
Extension Officer based at the nearest Agrarian Service Centre

Cinnamon Peeler Training

For Whom :
Cinnamon Farmers, Farmer Groups or Community Based Organizations who are interested in learning recommended a hygienic method of cinnamon peeling

Nature of the Service :
Field Training on cinnamon peeling is given by a group of skilled cinnamon peelers in a selected cinnamon garden

How to apply for the service :
Request by a letter, Fax, TP call or by a personal visit to the Extension Officer based at the nearest Agrarian Service Centre (only on Wednesdays 8.30 a.m – 4.15 p.m) or to the District Assistant Director or to the Director (Research), National Cinnamon Research and Training Center , Pallolpitiya, Thihagoda

Priority is given for the requests from Southern, Western and Sabaragamuwa provinces. The service is provided free of charge and a request should be made at least three months before the requested date.

Responsible Officers and contact information :
Extension Officer of the area
District Assistant Director 
Director (Research), National Cinnamon Research and Training Center, Pallolpitiya, Thihagoda