The renovated centre will also benefit 3000 members of the Kebithigollawa Integrated Rural Development Organization through increased revenues as a result of this program and training.
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has helped 200 farmers in the Kebithigollawa area in the Anuradhapura district with training to supply supermarkets with high quality produce.
It has also renovated the Ulpatha Fruit and Vegetable Collection Center – a central area for collection of farmer produce, significantly reducing transport and processing costs.
"Food companies have access to a consistent supply of quality produce, consumers have more choices, and farmers receive a stable, fair price for their fruits and vegetables," Rebecca Cohn, USAID mission director said.
"These new relationships have given farmers a stable market for their products at higher prices and have increased their incomes."