The market-based GAP approach in sustainable agriculture is expanding with the success of the model. RDALP recently trained 13 Agriculture Instructors of the Department of Agriculture (DoA) on conducting Farmer Field Schools (FFS) to expand GAP program for new farmer groups.

They were trained on how to conduct a field day for the farmers, basic principles of FFS and how to change the perception, attitudes and behaviour of the farmers in agriculture and modernize their farming practices. The training program was held in Boralanda in Welimada.

In the new phase 10 farmer groups have been formed in Badulla and Nuwara Eliya districts and around 146 farmers have been organised in these groups.

RDALP joined the project initially with 80 famers selected in the project area and DoA extension officers trained them on SLM best practices and GAP principles and enable them to obtain GAP certificates for their agro products. With the success of the approach the number of farmers increased to 100. With the expansion of GAP program, new buyers including local supermarkets and exporters have joined with the program.