The Regional Demo Day of the GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator, held recently at the Farm Mechanisation Training Centre in Anuradhapura, marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s agricultural journey. The event, attended by over 3,000 participants, showcased 10 innovative Agri-Tech solutions developed by local start-ups, highlighting the potential of technology to revolutionise the country’s agriculture sector.
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 underscored the importance of such initiatives in modernising Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector, stating, “These innovations are not just about improving yields; they are about empowering our farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a changing world.”
One of the standout technologies was Permia Sensing’s pest detection drone, which uses advanced sensors to identify pests like the Red palm weevil in coconut plantations. This technology, which Dr. Ranasinghe had the opportunity to learn about, represents a significant leap forward in precision agriculture, allowing farmers to target pests more effectively and reduce the use of harmful chemicals.
The GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator, a collaborative effort between Hatch Innovation and Sarvodaya, is part of the IDAT (Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation) project supported by The Gates Foundation. This initiative aims to harness Sri Lanka’s talent and potential to develop world-class Agri-Tech solutions. Hatch CEO Mevan Peiris expressed his vision, saying, “Our hope is that these solutions can scale nationally and empower smallholder farmers with tools to improve productivity and sustainability.”
The range of innovations presented at the demo day was impressive. Drones were demonstrated for automating and optimising paddy and coconut cultivations. Sensors were showcased for agricultural input and greenhouse management. Localised seeding machines and small-scale cashew processing equipment were also on display, along with mobile and web-based platforms for farm management support, extension services, and market access.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, President of Sarvodaya, emphasised the broader impact of these innovations, stating, “Agriculture is not just an industry; it is a lifeline. By fostering innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship, we are not only strengthening our agricultural sector but also securing a sustainable and resilient future for all.”
The 10 start-ups presented technologies designed to transform farming practices across Sri Lanka. Among them, Ceylon Agro Food Technologies (CAFT) demonstrated drone technology for fertiliser and pesticide spraying, as well as seed transplanting for paddy. Greenbrain showcased innovations to preserve milk quality and reduce spoilage, enabling farmers to obtain higher milk yields. Buddhi International Engineering (BIE) presented small-scale machinery for cashew processing, making it more accessible to smallholder farmers. Jayawardhana Engineering demonstrated hand-held and tractor-attached seeders tailored for various crops. AgroWorld, Engenuity AI, and WIDYA showcased digital agriculture management platforms, while SenzAgro and Govi.AI presented automation solutions for protected agriculture environments.
The success of the Regional Demo Day underscores the potential of Agri-Tech to transform Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. By empowering farmers with innovative tools, these technologies can enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring a brighter future for the country’s agricultural communities.
