Steps have been taken to launch a new project called ‘AgriConnect Sri Lanka’ to modernize and develop Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector with the help of digital technology. It has been announced that this project will be officially launched on October 30, 2026.
The main objective of the project is to improve Sri Lanka’s agricultural production and provide opportunities for farmers to use modern technologies. With agriculture occupying an important place in the country’s economy and the livelihood of rural people, digital transformation in this sector can be a significant step.
A discussion was held on October 13 between the Secretary to the President, Finance Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and the representatives of the World Bank. A delegation led by World Bank Group Manager for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Kevork Sargsyan, participated in the meeting.
The inaugural event of the program will be held at the TRACE Expert City campus in Colombo. It was also pointed out in the meeting that Sri Lanka is the first country in South Asia to join the Global Agricultural Modernization Program of the World Bank Group.
A new initiative to modernize the agricultural sector
Farmers in Sri Lanka are facing various challenges. Changes in production costs, changes in market prices, climate impacts and difficulties in accessing agricultural information affect agricultural activities.
In such an environment, combining digital technology with agriculture may create various opportunities. Technology can help in easy access to information related to agriculture, planning of production and marketing activities, use of modern farming methods etc.
However, the press release did not mention the complete details regarding the specific services and facilities to be implemented under the AgriConnect Sri Lanka programme. Therefore, the actual benefits of the scheme will depend on its operational methods and the support provided to the farmers.
It is necessary to introduce digital services and provide training to rural farmers to use them. In particular, arrangements should be made for farmers living in areas with limited access to internet to get the benefits of this scheme.
What benefits will farmers get?
If this project is successfully implemented, opportunities may arise to improve information exchange and technology utilization in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector. It is important for farmers to get the information they need in a timely manner and to plan and implement production-related decisions.
Important questions commonly raised about such schemes are whether their benefits reach smallholder farmers, whether operational costs are reduced and market opportunities are improved. These are factors to consider when evaluating the success of an AgriConnect program. However, repeated comments in reader comments related to this particular message have not been confirmed.
It is also important to consider the needs of the farmers while implementing the scheme. In addition to providing technical facilities, guidelines for their continued use should also be available.
Overall, the AgriConnect Sri Lanka project is expected to be an important step in the effort to digitize Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. The success of this initiative, which is scheduled to be launched on October 30, will be how it practically helps farmers in their day-to-day work.