Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy (SLCARP) is mandated to develop research priorities in different sectors.  Stakeholder workshop has been organized the National Committee on Food Crop Sector on 15^th July 2025 at the Horticultural Crops Research and Development Institute (HORDI), Gannoruwa.

The meeting brought together over 25 eminent professionals, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture, University Academia, Research Institutes, the Private Sector. The session was chaired by Prof. R.S. Dharmakeerthi, Chairman of SLCARP, who emphasized aligning future research priorities with the emerging needs of the country and the policy directions of the new government.

The core objective of the meeting was to update and redefine national research priorities in the Food Crop Sector, taking into account dynamic challenges and emerging trends. Dr. W.A.R.T. Wickramarachchi, Director General of Agriculture, explained the framework for the new priority document. It was noted that the new research agenda must address women and youth empowerment, private public partnerships, smart and climate-resilient agriculture, hybrid seed development, mechanization, food safety, biotechnology, and market-driven production systems.

Committee members engaged in a robust discussion to identify national research priorities based on impact, feasibility, and alignment with national goals such as poverty alleviation, food security, and environmental sustainability. A comprehensive list of priority crops was prepared, covering grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and other strategic food crops.

The committee also finalized discipline-wise task allocations for the preparation of the priority document, assigning key experts to thematic areas such as crop improvement, agronomy, soil and water management, plant protection, postharvest technology, agricultural economics, and climate change.

SLCARP’s Deputy Director (Research Management), Dr. S.M.P.C. Padmini, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the valuable contributions of all participants and confirming SLCARP’s commitment to facilitating national-level research planning and coordination.

The finalized document, to be compiled with expert inputs, will serve as the guiding framework for research funding, institutional planning, and scientific innovation in the Sri Lankan food crop sector over the next five years.