Effective Microorganism TM Technology
“Biotechnology for Social Good”
Sarvodaya is the oldest and most prominent social movement in Sri Lanka, founded by Dr. A. T. Ariyaratne in 1958. Their biotechnology division functions as an independent entity and creates microbiologically derived, eco-friendly, safe, non-toxic solutions for various applications such as wastewater treatment, solid waste management, kitchen waste management, animal health and nutrition, regeneration of natural health and fertility of soil, and healthy crop growth.
Sarvodaya Biotechnology Division specializes in producing microbial inoculants utilizing innovative EM-1 technology. This technology, also known as Effective Microorganism, was developed by Dr. Teruo Higa, a distinguished horticulture professor at the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan. Dr. Higa’s extensive research on beneficial microorganisms led to the creation of EM-1 in the 1990s, which has since been recognized for its numerous potential uses.
EM-1 is a liquid formulation that contains a blend of naturally occurring food-grade beneficial microbes. These microbes include lactic acid bacteria, yeast, and phototrophic bacteria. The specific combination of microorganisms in EM-1 varies depending on the manufacturer and formulation, but the goal is to create a synergistic blend that promotes beneficial microbial activity.
EM-1 Technology is a game-changer in effluent management, composting systems, and odor treatments. Effective Microorganism Technology creates sustainable and high-quality treatment processes. This technology harnesses the power of beneficial microorganisms to degrade organic pollutants, reduce odors, and promote nutrient recycling, making the treatment process more efficient. Our eco-friendly approach is designed to reduce pollution and facilitate resource recycling in the effluent.
In agriculture, EM-1 technology helps regenerate the soil’s natural health and fertility and promotes crop growth, nutrition, and health. It also removes the toxicity and salinity in the soil through bioremediation. After a multi-year field trial in several research stations covering all Agro-climatic regions in the country and for a range of crops, the Department of Agriculture of Sri Lanka has recommended EM-1 technology under a “special fertilizer program” for conventional and organic farming. EM-1 enhances the productivity of organic agriculture and optimizes chemical usage in conventional farming.
EM-1 technology is also widely used in promoting animal health and nutrition; the Department of Animal Production and Health has licensed EM-1 as an animal feed additive.
Sarvodaya SEEDS Limited (SSL)
SSL is the sole authorized manufacturer of EM-1 technology-based beneficial microbial inoculants and is the leader in providing ecologically safe microbial solutions for solid waste management, kitchen waste management, and effluent treatment. Today over 100 public and private sector uses EM-1 technology-based ECOPRO.
Sarvodaya Sarvasaara Agro Research and Technology Center Limited
Established for the sole purpose of promoting nature-safe, non-toxic, and non-destructive regenerative agriculture practices markets a range of treatments: Mihisaara for soil quality enhancement, Harithasaara for plant health and growth, CompostMaster for the production of high-quality composts, Jivasaara a non-antibiotic animal growth promoter for animal health and nutrition, and Ipanalisaara for recovery of nutrients and minerals in paddy stubble.
