USAID- Cargills partnership drives innovation with KIST high tech tomato out grower project

The tomato out grower project, launched in November 2023 by KIST, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to catayze  Sri Lanka private sector development activity, has made significant progress.

This initiative has been instrumental in bolstering the use of locally sourced tomatoes in the popular KIST sauce range, reducing the reliance on imports and driving income back to the rural agriculture community. This also guarantees the right bright red color, taste and texture of KIST sauces without adding any artificial colors or flavors.

The recent visit by the USAID team comprising Dennis Wesner, Deputy Director, Office of Economic Growth USAID/Sri Lanka and Maldives, and Juan Forero, Activity Team Lead, USAID CATALYZE PSD, to the Thambuttegama farms provided a firsthand look at the transformative impact of this pilot program. The visit highlighted the success of the modern agricultural practices implemented under this initiative, which have significantly improved tomato yields and quality through the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies.

Through this partnership, farmers have not only benefited from increased productivity but have also received guidance on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to ensure that the tomatoes earmarked for KIST sauce production adhere to global standards. This is why KIST sauce is unique for Sri Lankans vs other sauce offerings in the market.

USAID CATALYZE PSD is providing funds for high-tech agricultural inputs including Drip Irrigation system, Insect proof nets, Plastic mulch and plastic crates and etc, while Cargills Bank is offering the necessary financial support to fulfill the rest of the cultivation expenses of the farmers. Additionally, Cargills Food and Beverages Limited assures a buy-back guarantee, imparts technological expertise in agricultural modernization, and extends support to minimize post-harvest losses. Cargills Food & Beverages Limited is renowned for producing a wide range of food and beverages, under the trusted Sri Lankan food brand KIST. The company’s state-of-the-art production facility in Katana is responsible for crafting international quality sauces, jams, fruit beverages, and condiments using fresh produce sourced from farmers across the nation.

This production facility holds certifications for ISO 9001, ISO 22000, HACCP, GMP, SLS, and Halal standards. Furthermore, the company operates a primary fruit processing facility in Kilinochchi, where it collects fresh fruits from farmers in the North of Sri Lanka which was also the very first USAID project launched in collaboration with Cargills Ceylon PLC.

Through the USAID CATALYZE Sri Lanka Private Sector Development (PSD) Activity, USAID Sri Lanka enhances private capital infusion into crucial sectors of the Sri Lankan economy, with a particular focus on bolstering the agribusiness sector.

Source:Daily News