President reveals plans for AI-driven agricultural transformation in Sri Lanka

President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that the government plans to transform Sri Lankan agriculture using modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The government is committed to support the private sector entrepreneurs interested in this initiative.

The President further mentioned that 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions have been selected this year for the Agricultural Modernization Program. In the first phase, 25 Divisional Secretariat Divisions will receive the necessary facilities, while the second phase will extend modern agriculture practices to an additional 75 Divisional Secretariat Divisions.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made these remarks during an observation tour of the AiGrow Company’s greenhouse in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle this morning (17). The inventor of Vega Car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe accompanied the President on this visit. The AiGrow greenhouse is the first in Sri Lanka to utilize artificial intelligence technology.

With over seven years of experience in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, the AiGrow Company applies AI in both greenhouse and open cultivation, utilizing automated methods to enhance efficiency and productivity

The company designs and constructs customized greenhouses to meet specific customer requirements, offering continuous service and maintenance support for these facilities.

The company’s inaugural greenhouse, located in Nelumdeniya, Kegalle, comprises three sections where tomatoes, bell peppers and lettuce are cultivated. Additionally, AiGrow operates a separate greenhouse for mushroom cultivation.

AiGrow exports a significant portion of its harvest and supplies its branded products to local supermarkets.

Furthermore, the green agricultural automation devices produced by this company are being promoted to both local and international markets.

Additionally, AiGrow collaborates with local universities to provide educational opportunities in the field of applying AI to modern agricultural practices.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe conducted a visit to the AiGrow Company’s Nelumdeniya, Kegalle Greenhouse this morning, where he observed first-hand agricultural operations and production activities carried out using the modern technology.

During his visit, President Wickremesinghe also observed the electric three- wheelers and motorcycles developed by Dr. Harsha Subhasinghe.

Subsequently, the President participated in a discussion held at the premises, where he reiterated the government’s commitment to introducing modern agriculture to the country. He emphasized the government’s willingness to provide necessary financial support and training for this endeavour.

Additionally, President Wickremesinghe instructed officials to propose a bank loan system to facilitate this initiative

“The integration of modern technology, particularly AI, into agriculture signifies the progression towards a sustainable green economy. Presently, the government is actively engaged in implementing a comprehensive agricultural modernization program across the nation, leveraging AI technology in collaboration with private entrepreneurs.

As part of this initiative, it has been planned to allocate 100 Divisional Secretariat Divisions for modern agriculture this year. The first phase will involve the provision of necessary facilities to 25 Divisional Secretariat divisions, followed by the inclusion of 75 additional divisions in the second phase.

Private entrepreneurs are encouraged to participate in this program, with the government committed to providing essential training and financial support”.

Currently, one acre of land worldwide produces food for 155 people. By the year 2050, this figure needs to increase to 255 people per acre. To achieve this, countries must prepare and leverage modern technology to enhance food production. It is imperative to utilize advanced agricultural techniques to maximize yields within limited land resources, thus necessitating the adoption of modern agricultural practices. I firmly believe that by implementing the program initiated today, we can pave the way for the development of a sustainable green economy in our country.

The event was attended by State Ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Kanaka Herath, Member of Parliament Udayakantha Gunathilake, District Secretary Kegalle Ranjan Jayasinghe, Senior Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs Dr. R.H.S. Samaratunga, the inventor of Vega car and the Group CEO of Vega innovations Dr. Harsha Subasinghe and several other dignitaries.