Solidaridad and Demetrix introduce cutting-edge AI based agri-tech solutions to Sri Lanka’s tea industry

Solidaridad, in partnership with Demetrix InfoTech India, recently announced the launch of innovative agricultural technology solutions designed specifically for Sri Lanka’s tea industry. These state-of-the-art tools are poised to transform tea cultivation, enhancing productivity and sustainability across the sector.

The featured technologies include:

• Agri-Met – A hyper-local weather station providing precise weather data tailored to tea estates
• Ballotronix – A tea leaf reader designed to optimise quality control and processing.
• Soil-Probe – An instant soil analyser offering immediate insights into soil health for better crop manageme

Having been successfully developed and deployed in India and other regions, these solutions are now being introduced to Sri Lanka as part of Solidaridad’s digital transformation initiatives in the agriculture sector. These technologies are aimed at modernising traditional tea farming practices, empowering growers with real-time data and improving decision-making processes to maximise yield and sustainability.

Solidaridad Managing Director Dr. Shatadru Chattopadhayay stated: “Solidaridad, is deeply committed to advancing sustainability in Sri Lanka’s tea sector, especially for the smallholders and plantation companies that form the backbone of the industry. By deploying these cutting-edge technologies, we are empowering smallholders and plantation managers with real-time, data-driven insights — whether it’s precise weather forecasting, accurate soil health analysis, or optimised tea leaf quality control. These tools will enable them to make informed decisions, increase efficiency, and improve crop quality, ultimately boosting productivity while reducing environmental impact. Our goal is to ensure that both smallholders and plantation companies have access to the innovations needed to enhance their livelihoods and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient tea industry in Sri Lanka”.

The launch event at Meddecombra Estate in Watagoda, owned by Elpitiya Plantations, was held under the patronage of Aitken Spence Plantations Deputy Chief Executive Officer Geethkumara Dayadanda, Experts from the Tea Research Institute, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Agriculture department, Plantation Human Development Trust, media representatives, industry stakeholders, tea plantation managers and small holder association representatives had the opportunity to witness live demonstrations and engage with experts in the field. The interactive sessions provided valuable insights into how these technologies can be applied to boost the performance of Sri Lanka’s tea sector. This deployment follows a request from the Sri Lankan delegation at a recent Asia Tea Alliance meeting and is made possible through Solidaridad’s generous donation of advanced technology aimed at enhancing the productivity and sustainability of the tea industry.

Elpitiya Plantations PLC Joint Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Bhathiya Bulumulla under whose leadership and direction this equipment was successfully installed at Meddecombra Estate, added: “We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in Sri Lanka’s tea sector. The successful installation of these technologies at Meddecombra Estate is a testament to our commitment to modernising our operations and embracing sustainability. This collaboration with Solidaridad and Demetrix marks a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance productivity and improve environmental management, ensuring that our tea production is both competitive and sustainable for future generations.”

“We are excited to bring these technological advancements to Sri Lanka’s tea industry. These tools will provide critical data for tea producers, helping them make more informed decisions and increase overall productivity,” said Demetrix Infotech Pramodh John.

The Nucleus Foundation facilitated this intervention by working closely with Government, Provincial, and private sector stakeholders to ensure the smooth deployment of these technologies in Sri Lanka.