Effective Microorganisms (EM) Unit

The EM unit was launched in 1996 and functioned as a project under the Sarvodaya Movement. The project operations were handed over to SEEDS in 2005. Initially the production facilities were located in Bandaragama and the office work was handled by the SEEDS Head Office at Moratuwa. In 2008, with the generous assistance of the Banking Division of SEEDS, the EM production unit and office was transferred to Godagama.

Effective Microorganisms or EM as it is popularly known is an entirely nature friendly technology which is 100% free of chemicals. EM is produced from an organic method and is fully natural. EM is a complex culture of naturally occurring, beneficial microorganisms such as photosynthetic (phototrophic) bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts. They are benefi­cial to human beings and used for making fermented food materials. The technology was developed by Dr. Teruo Higa, professor at the University of the Ryukyus, Japan. EM is now used in over 116 countries globally. In Sri Lanka, EM is produced using aforesaid human favor microorganisms from sources present in this country.

Presently, SEEDS is the only producer which holds the sole agency rights to produce and market EM products in Sri Lanka. The scientific and technological knowledge of the production process of EM products was earlier transferred by the EM Research Organization (EMRO) of Japan to the Sarvodaya Movement.

Several EM products are presently available in the market. They are EM for animal husbandry, EM for crop production, EM for waste management, EM compost and the most recent product the EM Compost Accelerator. These products are available in 225 milliliters, 500 milliliters and one liter volumes. The compost product is available in 2Kg packs.

A SWOT analysis of the EM Unit reveals that there is ample room to develop the unit into a fully fledged business and improve sales by many folds.  Presently, the sales amount to about 1,000 liters per month, but the unit can produce 2,000 L/month at present and can increase production to 6,000 L/month if needed. The strengths of the unit are that it has a staff which has a sound technical knowledge, has its own production centre and can sell to consumers at cost effective prices. On the negative side, the EM Unit’s promotional activities are weak and it maintains a low public relations network. Presently there is lack of funds for promotion and distribution and the commissions paid to dealers at field level are low. There is need to carry out publicity campaigns to raise awareness about the products among the masses. There are opportunities to conduct programs with the government and popularize the use of EM products especially among the farming community. There is also the potential to expand sales to animal farms and organic farmers and introduce products for households. If harnessed, these opportunities could help to increase the income of the EM unit tremendously. However, negative attitudes of government officials towards the products pose a threat to the unit. Framers also tend to have fears when using new technologies such as EM and this is also a drawback.  

Contact details:   SEEDS (Gte) Ltd,
                            No:31, Muthuhenawatte Road, Dikhetepma,
                            Godagama, Homagma,
                            Sri Lanka.
                            Tel      : 011-5749736
                            E-mail: emunit@seeds.lk

EM Products Price List (155 KB)