SLAF-India’s BIPA strengthen Indo-Sri Lankan collaboration in biological agriculture

The Sri Lanka Agripreneurs’ Forum (SLAF) and BioAgri Inputs Producers Association (BIPA) of India signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) at TRACE Expert City, Colombo, marking a significant step toward advancing biological agriculture and sustainable agri-innovation across the region.

Under the MoU, both organisations will collaborate to explore the effectiveness and suitability of bio-agri inputs, including biostimulants, biofertilisers and bioprotection technologies, while fostering knowledge exchange, research collaboration and policy dialogue between Sri Lanka and India.

Speaking at the signing, SLAF Chairperson Rizvi Zaheed said, “This collaboration brings together Sri Lanka’s agripreneurial ecosystem and India’s established BioAgri community. It’s a timely initiative that will accelerate the adoption of safe, effective and sustainable biological inputs, creating long-term value for our farmers and agri-businesses.”

Representing BIPA, Vice President Praharaju Laxminarayana added, “Sri Lanka offers a dynamic environment for biological agriculture. Through this partnership with the SLAF, we aim to share India’s experience, strengthen scientific cooperation and jointly develop regional standards for bio-inputs that can benefit the wider South Asian region.”

The signing ceremony was preceded by a stakeholder meeting between representatives from the agribusiness sector from both countries, reaffirming their shared commitment to environmentally responsible and economically viable farming solutions.

The SLAF is the nation’s leading association representing over 18,500 of Sri Lanka’s agripreneurs, farmer organisations, agri-SMEs and value-addition enterprises. The forum advocates for policies, partnerships and innovations that enhance competitiveness and sustainability in the agri-sector.

The BIPA is India’s leading non-profit industry body promoting the responsible development and use of biological inputs in agriculture. It works to bridge research, regulation and industry to support the adoption of bio-stimulants, bio-fertilisers and bio-protection technologies for sustainable farming.