By P Dadira N Peiris, Senior Manager, Kanrich Plantations (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, with its diverse agro-climatic zones and rich agricultural heritage, stands at a critical juncture in its agricultural evolution. While the country’s agricultural sector holds immense promise, it grapples with numerous challenges hindering its growth and sustainability. However, amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for collaboration and innovation, particularly with Indian agri-tech companies.
Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector grapples with several challenges, including limited access to modern technology, inefficient resource utilisation, and post-harvest losses. Smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of the sector, face difficulties in accessing credit, market information, and quality inputs. Moreover, climate change impacts, such as erratic weather patterns and water scarcity, further exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers. Addressing these real needs requires holistic solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.
Focus areas for improvement
To overcome these challenges, Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector must prioritise several key areas for improvement. Precision agriculture, crop diversification, post-harvest management, and agro-processing emerge as critical focal points. By enhancing efficiency and resilience across these domains, Sri Lanka can unlock its agricultural potential and foster sustainable growth. For instance, precision farming technologies, such as IoT-based sensors and drones, can optimise resource utilisation and improve crop yields. Additionally, solutions for water management and conservation can help mitigate the effects of water scarcity, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.
Market potential for new technology and mechanisation
Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector presents vast market potential for new technology and mechanisation solutions. With a growing population and increasing demand for food security, there is a pressing need to enhance agricultural productivity and efficiency. Moreover, the government’s emphasis on promoting agribusiness and value addition offers lucrative opportunities for investment in mechanisation, processing, and marketing infrastructure. Indian agri-tech companies can leverage their technological prowess to introduce cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of Sri Lankan farmers, thereby capturing a significant market share.
Recent achievements in Indian mechanisation
India has made significant strides in agricultural mechanisation, leveraging technology to enhance productivity and efficiency in farming operations. The introduction of advanced machinery, such as tractor-mounted implements, harvesters, and planters, has revolutionised traditional farming practices, reducing labour dependency and increasing output. Notable achievements include the widespread adoption of custom hiring centres for farm machinery, and promoting access to mechanisation services among smallholder farmers.
Future objectives of India and Sri Lanka in agricultural modernisation
Both India and Sri Lanka have outlined ambitious objectives for agricultural modernisation, encompassing technological advancements, sustainable practices, and inclusive growth. India’s vision for the agricultural sector includes doubling farmers’ income, promoting digital agriculture, and ensuring food security through innovative technologies and policy reforms. Similarly, Sri Lanka aims to enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and promote agro-based industries to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
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