Kilinochchi Hosts Trade Fair & Symposium on New Technology in Paddy Agriculture

Kilinochchi, Northern Province —
Synamon Global, a purpose-driven investment office committed to regeneration, inclusion, and
sustainability, successfully hosted the Paddy Agriculture Trade Fair & Symposium in Kilinochchi
from the 26th to the 28th of September.
The three-day event — featuring a Trade Fair on the 26th and a Symposium on the 27th and 28th
— brought together farmers, millers, agri-service providers, financial institutions, researchers, and
development partners to strengthen the paddy value chain and showcase emerging technologies
in sustainable cultivation.
A Collaborative Step Toward Regenerative Growth
Since early 2023, Synamon Global has been working with the Bank to make agricultural finance
more accessible and affordable for smallholder farmers.
During the initial learning phase in 2023, the program was implemented through another
organisation; however, the initiative, vision, and funding originated from Synamon Global. It was
then known as Startup Kilinochchi, marking the beginning of a farmer-centered, sustainability
driven journey in the North.
Under this model, Synamon Global subsidized 50% of the agricultural loan interest for all
participating farmers — easing their financial burden and enabling them to reinvest in productivity
enhancing inputs and sustainable farming practices.
“Our commitment has always been to co-create prosperity with farmers,” said a Synamon Global
representative. “This initiative was never just about credit access — it was about restoring
confidence, stability, and dignity in rural livelihoods.”
The Trade Fair and Symposium provided an open, collaborative platform for knowledge exchange
and innovation — where farmers, researchers, and practitioners came together to shape the
region’s agricultural future.
Farmers Lead the Return to Organic Practices
Farmers from across the Northern Province took part in live demonstrations, expert sessions, and
product showcases on soil health, seed selection, and climate-smart cultivation. A growing
number expressed renewed interest in organic and regenerative practices, blending scientific
insight with traditional wisdom.
Responding to this momentum, Synamon Global announced the establishment of farmer
managed demonstration plots across Kilinochchi — designed to pilot organic paddy cultivation
and train farmers in composting, natural pest management, and the preparation of organic inputs.
Digital Empowerment and Connectivity
Among the key outcomes of the Symposium was a collective commitment to develop a Digital
Agriculture Channel for Northern farmers. This platform will deliver real-time updates on weather,
pest control, soil conditions, and market trends.
Recognising the need for equitable access, Synamon Global distributed a one-year free mobile
data package for every farmer who participated in the Symposium — ensuring that each farmer
remains digitally connected to information, advisories, and market intelligence that can directly
support their livelihoods.
Reviving Kilinochchi’s Agricultural Legacy
Once known as one of Sri Lanka’s most fertile rice-producing regions, Kilinochchi continues its
determined journey to rebuild and modernise its agricultural economy. Farmers today still face
challenges — from post-harvest losses and input costs to limited access to modern technology
and fair markets.
The Symposium addressed these challenges through farmer-led discussions, expert panels, and
practical solution workshops, focusing on mechanisation, post-harvest handling, value addition,
and inclusive financial models.
Behind the Scenes: SAHO Creations
The event was masterfully orchestrated by SAHO Creations, whose vision, dedication, and
meticulous planning brought the symposium to life in the most inclusive and farmer-friendly
manner. From managing logistics and registrations to curating spaces for learning and interaction,
every detail was thoughtfully designed to ensure farmers felt welcomed, engaged, and
empowered.
In a remarkable demonstration of foresight, it was originally SAHO Creations’ idea to bring
translator devices, allowing every farmer to listen in their regional language — ensuring full
participation and comprehension in every session. Their thoughtful facilitation transformed the
event into a truly accessible and participatory experience.
Synamon Global and the farmers extend their deepest appreciation to the SAHO team for their
commitment, warmth, and vision — a team that not only executed an event flawlessly but also
created an environment where learning, collaboration, and inspiration could flourish.
“It was more than an event — it was a collective expression of hope, knowledge, and progress,”
said the SAHO Creations team. “We are proud to have contributed to a gathering that truly
belongs to the farmers.”
A Vision for Generational Prosperity
Through its broader initiative, StartUp Ceylon, Synamon Global continues to connect every aspect
of the agricultural value chain — from inputs and storage to processing, finance, and digital
market access.
The Kilinochchi Trade Fair & Symposium stands as a defining milestone — a gathering that
reaffirmed the region’s commitment to sustainable progress and the farmers’ place at its heart