USAID-Cargills partnership drives agricultural innovation with Kist high-tech tomato outgrower project

The tomato outgrower project, launched in November 2023 by Kist, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) CATALYZE 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 colour, taste and texture of Kist sauces, without adding any artificial colours or flavours. 

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

Through this partnership, the 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 the 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, etc. while Cargills Bank is offering the necessary financial support to fulfil 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 modernisation and extends support to minimise 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 the 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.