Outlining the Aloe Vera Development Board (AVDB)
“Aloe Farm Establishment, in collaboration with Nrich Industries, is working alongside the government and the Office of the President’s Secretary to establish an Aloe Vera Development Board aimed at advancing and regulating the aloe vera industry.”
The Aloe Vera Development Board (AVDB) is proposed to be a government-appointed body responsible for the strategic oversight and regulation of Sri Lanka’s aloe vera industry. Its main purpose is to promote, research, and produce high-yield aloe vera cultivars, and establish a framework for quality assurance and control. The AVDB will also guide the cultivation, processing, and international market standards, fostering global economic empowerment through job creation and entrepreneurship.
Organizational Structure
The AVDB will be governed by a board of members appointed by the government, responsible for strategic oversight. It will include representatives from key sectors:
- Government Members: Representatives from ministries and government institutions.
- Private Sector Representatives: Aloe vera manufacturers, exporters, and cultivators’ associations.
- Academia: Researchers and community leaders focused on sustainable agriculture.
Committees and Functions
To ensure effectiveness, the AVDB will operate with several key committees:
- R&D and Innovation Committee: Focuses on research into new aloe vera varieties, product formulations, and technologies.
- Members: Researchers, academics, and technical experts.
- Cultivators and Sustainability Committee: Promotes sustainable aloe vera farming practices and provides training.
- Members: Agronomists, farmers’ representatives, and environmental experts.
- Manufacturing and Processing Committee: Sets standards for processing, packaging, and manufacturing.
- Members: Industry experts and representatives from manufacturing units.
- Exports and Marketing Committee: Focuses on enhancing export capabilities and identifying international market opportunities.
- Members: Exporters, trade experts, and government trade officials.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance Committee: Develops quality assurance and quality standards for aloe vera products.
- Members: Regulatory experts, scientists, and quality control professionals.
Action Plan and Roadmap
The AVDB’s implementation will follow a phased roadmap:
- Phase 1: Planning and Setup (0-6 Months): Focuses on implementing the AVDB, including drafting policies and bylaws, and establishing an official registry. This phase will also involve recruiting board members and committees.
- Phase 2: Pilot Programs (6-12 Months): Involves launching pilot projects to test cultivation, manufacturing, and marketing strategies. This will also include developing a framework for quality assurance and certification.
- Phase 3: Full-Scale Operations (1-3 Years): Scales up R&D and cultivation activities, expanding export and market development initiatives. This phase involves reviewing and refining processes based on pilot feedback to establish a structured, efficient, and cohesive setup.
Benefits of Forming the AVDB
Forming the AVDB will bring significant benefits to the aloe vera industry and its stakeholders by addressing their specific needs and creating a robust ecosystem.
1. Farmers and Cultivators
- Benefits: Access to training, high-yield aloe vera plant varieties, and farming inputs.
- Opportunities: Increased guaranteed market linkages and fair prices, and insurance schemes.
2. Manufacturers and Processors
- Benefits: Access to research and development support to ensure high-quality products.
- Opportunities: Obtaining international standards, technical assistance, and support to innovate and improve processing.
3. Exporters and Traders
- Benefits: Access to compliance with documentary, export, and regulatory support.
- Opportunities: Participation in trade fairs, brand reputation, and international partnerships.
4. Consumers (Local and International)
- Benefits: Access to a wide range of high-quality aloe vera products at affordable prices.
- Opportunities: Assurance of safe, effective, and certified products, with access to educational campaigns.
5. Research and Academic Institutions
- Benefits: Collaboration with Aloe Vera-related R&D projects.
- Opportunities: Support for aloe vera initiatives, research networks, and publication opportunities.
6. Government and Policymakers
- Benefits: Increased GDP contributions through exports and domestic industry.
- Opportunities: Job creation, direct and indirect employment, and increased revenue.
7. Investors and Entrepreneurs
- Benefits: Attractive returns and high-profit margins.
- Opportunities: Access to a growing global market for aloe vera-based products.
8. Environmental and Sustainability Advocates
- Benefits: Environmentally friendly and sustainable farming techniques.
- Opportunities: Promotion of sustainable aloe vera cultivation, with a focus on biodiversity conservation, carbon reduction, and mitigating climate change.
By aligning the interests of these stakeholders, the AVDB can serve as a central institution driving the aloe vera industry’s growth and sustainability in Sri Lanka.