DPL’s Firstlight program which was initiated in Monaragala and Kaluthara districts has recently linked up over a thousand rubber farmers in Kegalle. In a move to help rubber smallholders achieve greater prosperity, DPL began working closely with farmers in Kegalle from July 2020 onwards which has now become our second highest region for latex collection. Over 1100 farmers in the Kegalle District have benefitted from Firstlight, our flagship award-winning ethical business initiative focused on empowering farmers to be self-reliant whilst sustaining their families.
Our journey in Kegalle started in 2020 with 17 farmers at Thalgahadeniya – Warakapola. After seeing Firstlight in action, interest spiked amongst the farmer community and our network in the region increased to a thousand smallholders in just 500 days. Facilities such as training and education workshops, the provision of 85,000 plastic collection cups and 7000 rain guards have all supported these farmers to increase productivity.
Read article- https://www.ft.lk/agriculture/Dipped-Products-Firstlight-initiative-creates-prosperity-for-Kegalle-rubber-farmers/31-730851