GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator: Empowering Sri Lankan farmers through technology

The Regional Demo Day of the GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator concluded successfully on 2 March at the Farm Mechanisation Training Centre in Anuradhapura. The event brought together over 3,000 participants, including farmers, Government officials, private sector representatives, and members of the public, to witness the demonstrations of 10 innovative AgriTech solutions developed by Sri Lankan startups. 

The event was graced by Land and Irrigation Deputy Minister Dr. Susil Ranasinghe as well as Digital Economy Deputy Minister Eng. Eranga Weeraratne. Dr. Ranasinghe emphasised the importance of such initiatives in modernising Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector.

The GoviLab AgriTech Accelerator is a groundbreaking initiative implemented by Hatch Innovation – the country’s premier innovation and entrepreneurship hub – in partnership with Sarvodaya – the leading development NGO with deep-ties to grassroots agri-communities. It is part of the IDAT (Inclusive Digital Agriculture Transformation) project supported by The Gates Foundation.

Hatch Innovation CEO Mevan Peiris commented: “Sri Lanka has the talent and potential to develop world-class AgriTech solutions. Together with all the relevant stakeholders, we are attempting to revolutionise the agricultural sector. Our hope is that these solutions can scale nationally and empower smallholder farmers with tools to improve productivity and sustainability.”

The range of AgriTech innovations included drones – for automating and optimising paddy and coconut cultivations, sensors – for agricultural input and greenhouse management, localised seeding machines, small-scale cashew processing machines, and mobile and web-based platforms for farm management support, extension services, and market access.

Sarvodaya President Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne speaking at the event said: “Agriculture is not just an industry; it is a lifeline that feeds nations, sustains economies, and nurtures generations. And in this fast-evolving world, we must ensure that our farmers are not left behind. 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 event featured live demonstrations, interactive 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.

GoviLab worked closely with Government agencies to align these solutions with national agricultural policies and extension services, which was evidenced by many representatives from the public sector involved in agriculture being present at the event.

The Demo Day not only highlighted innovative technologies but also underscored the importance of partnerships between startups, Government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and farming communities. As attendees left the event inspired by what they had seen, it became clear that this was more than just an exhibition — it was a glimmer of hope into a brighter future for Sri Lankan agriculture.

Innovative solutions on display

The 10 startups presented technologies designed to transform farming practices across Sri Lanka. These solutions included:

• Drone technology: Ceylon Agro Food Technologies (CAFT) demonstrated their use of drone technology for fertiliser and pesticide spraying, as well as seed transplanting for paddy, while Permia Sensing demonstrated their use of drones for pest detection (red palm weevil) in coconut plantations. 
• Dairy chilling and storage devices: Greenbrain demonstrated innovations to preserve milk quality and reduce spoilage overnight, enabling farmers to obtain higher milk yields.
• Cashew processing equipment: Buddhi International Engineering (BIE) showcased their small-scale machinery for de-shelling, peeling, and dehydrating cashews, making cashew processing more accessible to smallholder farmers.

nLocalised seeder machines: Jayawardhana Engineering demonstrated their hand-held and tractor-attached seeders tailored for crops like cowpea and mung beans.

• Digital agriculture management platforms: AgroWorld, Engenuity AI, and WIDYA showcased farm management support, extension services, and market access through mobile and web-based platforms.

nSensor technology: SenzAgro and Govi.AI showcased their automation solutions for protected agriculture environments.

B.K. Maheepala of BIE, who had designed machinery for small-holder cashew producers, said: “GoviLab significantly helped me by engaging external stakeholders, providing funds to boost production productivity, and supporting the branding and marketing of our machines,” with the Founder of Jayawardhana Engineering adding: “Working with the GoviLab project has been a transformative experience. Under the guidance of an expert mentor, I refined my products and developed a seeder tailored for smallholder farmers. The project’s support significantly reduced my cost of production, making my seeders more accessible.”

- Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera