The Regional Demo Day of the GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator, held on the 2nd of March 2025, at the Farm Mechanization Training Centre in Anuradhapura, marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s agricultural journey. Over 3,000 participants, including farmers, government officials, private sector representatives, and members of the public, gathered to witness the unveiling of ten innovative Agri-Tech solutions developed by Sri Lankan startups. The event was honoured by the presence of Deputy Minister of Land and Irrigation, Dr. Susil Ranasinghe, and Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eng. Eranga Weeraratne.
Dr. Ranasinghe, in his address, underscored the critical role of such initiatives in modernizing Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. He emphasized that embracing technology is not just an option but a necessity to enhance productivity, sustainability, and the overall resilience of the agricultural sector. The GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator, a collaborative effort between Hatch Innovation and Sarvodaya, is a testament to this vision. Supported by The Gates Foundation as part of the IDAT (Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation) project, this accelerator aims to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation in the agricultural sector.
The event showcased a diverse range of Agri-Tech innovations. Drones were demonstrated for automating and optimizing paddy and coconut cultivations, while sensors were used for agricultural input and greenhouse management. Additionally, localized seeding machines, small-scale cashew processing machines, and mobile and web-based platforms for farm management support, extension services, and market access were on display. These technologies represent a significant leap forward in addressing some of the most pressing challenges faced by Sri Lankan farmers.
Mevan Peiris, Chief Executive Officer of Hatch, highlighted the potential of Sri Lanka to develop world-class Agri-Tech solutions. He expressed hope that these innovations could scale nationally, empowering smallholder farmers with tools to improve productivity and sustainability. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya, who emphasized that agriculture is not just an industry but a lifeline that feeds nations, sustains economies, and nurtures generations. She stressed the importance of fostering innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship to secure a sustainable and resilient future for all.
The Demo Day was not just an exhibition; it was an interactive platform featuring live demonstrations, knowledge-sharing sessions, and onboarding of farmers to integrate these technologies into their daily operations. Farmers attending the event expressed enthusiasm about the potential of these technologies to improve productivity, reduce costs, and mitigate post-harvest losses. The event also underscored the importance of partnerships between startups, government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and farming communities. The presence of many representatives from the Public Sector involved in Agriculture evidenced the alignment of these solutions with national agricultural policies and extension services.
As attendees left the event, there was a palpable sense of inspiration and hope. The Demo Day was more than just an exhibition; it was a glimpse into a brighter future for Sri Lankan agriculture. The event highlighted the transformative potential of Agri-Tech solutions in revolutionizing the agricultural sector, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s farmers are well-equipped to face the challenges of the 21st century.
