Problem overview:

     Meeting information requirements: In Sri Lanka, Organic cultivation of Cashew nuts is another project under the Export Production Villages (EPV) concept that has successfully produced international acceptable organic farming products.

Background in summary:

     Producing cashew nuts under the Export Production Village Programme: In 'Hambantota' district of Sri Lanka, organic cultivation of the cashew as well as processing of the nut under bio conditions has been undertaken under the Export Production Village (EPV) for the first time to cater to discerning export markets. Health conscious consumers pay a premium price for organic food products, which are produced without the use of any chemicals.

     Strictly using organic farming methods: The farmers use bio fertilizers made out of compost cattle dung and other vegetable material. The land is tested and certified for the absence of chemicals periodically by international certification agencies. The use of chemical insecticides and weedicides is eliminated conforming to strict organic practices.

     Low production is compensated by high margin: The disadvantage from a commercial point of view in the organic cultivation of cashew is the comparatively lesser yield. However, this is compensated to a great extent by the premium prices, which the final product fetches. As a further compensatory measure the farmers undertake the cultivation of fruits and vegetables between the cashew trees also under organic conditions.

     Environmental friendly farming practices is being appreciated more: These rural producers have begun to appreciate more and more the environment friendly organic practices which they have been encouraged to carry out under the EPV concept.

Peer Review Committee Good practice rating: (1 for the best, 5 for the lowest score)
Sustainability		Efficiency
1	Improvement in either the environment of economic condition with no harm to the other.	1	Cost efficient.
1	Sustainable over time (not one-off)	Process
Adaptability		1	Participation of the community
3	Location adaptability (can the project be done in other places?)	1	Participation of resource owners/users
1	Socio-cultural adaptability.	1	Partnerships between various actors (Governments, NGO, Academia, Private)
1	Level of development adaptability.	1	Degree of coordination and cooperation between government departments.
1	Style of government adaptability.	1	Ability to attract political interest/support
1	Degree of decentralization adaptability.	1	Procedures for feedback and review.
Comments on this example:       Environmental awareness has opened new commercial opportunities. Pesticides and weedicides have a multitude of downstream impacts on native flora, fauna, marine resources and human health. Organic farming methods can reduce or eliminate these threats and at the same time increase income earnings.       The Export Production Village should be adopted in other farming communities in the region because it helps improve the well being of farmers, by increasing their income through putting value added to their products and eliminating middlemen. However, an external body, such as, governments or NGOs, might be required to initiate the program and train the villagers to improve their skills. Sustainability of the project:   Adaptability of the project to other situations:       Organic farming requires having land that has not already been extensively poisoned with chemicals. Uncontaminated farming land is difficult to find thus limiting the adaptability of the concept as most existing agricultural land has been heavily contaminated with agricultural poisons. Process of decision making and implementation:   Cost efficiency: