The story of the Parabowa Farmers’ Association began in the year 2000, when five determined farmers came together with a shared dream — to revive and protect the traditional crops of their ancestors. They called themselves Parani Boga Wagakaruwō, meaning “Traditional Crop Growers,” a name that carried both pride and purpose.

In their early years, the farmers achieved a remarkable milestone — exporting 10 tons of traditional organic rice to Italy, a feat that placed their village on the map of Sri Lanka’s organic agriculture movement. Over the years, Parabowa has artfully woven ancient farming wisdom with modern innovation, adopting practices like the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) to enhance yields while preserving the environment. 

Today, this farmer-led association stands as a beacon of sustainability and empowerment. Beyond cultivating rice and other crops, Parabowa nurtures knowledge — training fellow farmers to embrace certified organic farming, championing Fairtrade principles, and advocating for food sovereignty. From seed to harvest, their journey continues to be one of resilience, collaboration, and deep respect for the land that sustains them all.

A new chapter began when AOF joined hands with the Parabowa Farmers Association to invest in a Vibro 120-mesh sieving machine powered by cryogenic grinding technology — a long-awaited upgrade that transformed their humble rice into fine, gluten-free flour of exceptional quality. This innovation not only opened doors to a growing, profitable market but also planted the seeds of shared prosperity. A portion of every rupee earned now flows into a community development fund, dedicated to building the skills and livelihoods of member farmers and uplifting their families for a more secure and sustainable future.