Sustaining agriculture, an uphill task
by Lalin Fernandopulle
Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector is in dire straits due to the lack of
new technology and innovation to spearhead growth and attract the
younger generation to the sector, University dons told a workshop on
‘Commercialisation of Innovation in Agriculture’ organised by the
National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka last week.
A panel comprising lecturers from the University of Peradeniya said
that unless major steps are taken to introduce new technology and
promote innovation, sustaining agricultural activity will be an uphill
task.
Director, Agribusiness Centre, University of Peradeniya, Dr. L.H.P
Gunaratne said the younger generation is moving out of agriculture in
search for white-collar jobs and greener pastures.
“We need to make the sector attractive with modern technology that
will enhance yield and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
The high cost of production that makes our exports such as tea
uncompetitive is another major issue that needs to be urgently
addressed,” academics said.
Participants at the workshop stressed the importance of creating a
vibrant link among university and research personnel and called on the
private sector, facilitated by the Chambers, to disseminate information
on agriculture to boost innovation and achieve higher production.
Agri research does not meet industry needs and often they are
confined to library shelves or accumulate dust in research houses.
Wide stakeholder cooperation is vital to develop the agricultural and
animal husbandry sectors which face many challenges due to lack of
application of research and development.The universities and research
institutions should ensure that the hard work they have put in and their
contribution to the sector is made good use of by farmers and the
private sector which sells their produce, the participants said.
Chairman, International Food Company and Honorary Secretary of the
National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, Sarath de Silva said, “We
need to take a cue from India, Thailand and many countries in the region
that have universities which are open to people to walk in and discuss
with academics and research officials to enhance their knowledge on new
techniques of cultivation and harvesting to boost yield and minimise
post-harvest damage.”
“Our universities should be more open to the public and interact with
the private sector to commercialise innovation in agriculture. Our tea
export revenue can go beyond the US $ 1.5 billion mark with more value
addition and innovation.
We need a collaborative effort to take the agricultural industry to
the next level”, he said.
Industry experts said that there should be a one-stop-shop comprising
all stakeholders of the industry to disseminate information on
agriculture and modern trends in the sector.
Universities and research institutions should not wash off their
hands leaving research work to remain on shelves. They should publicise
research through the media.Private sector experts said that Sri Lanka
has adequate research on agriculture which is not used in the field but
rather sold to other countries.The lack of investment in research and
development and diminishing land area for agriculture are pressing
issues, academics said.
Sri Lanka’s diminishing land area, unlike in Europe which has vast
swathes of land for agriculture, is a hindrance to expand cultivation,
de Silva said.
Dr. W.A.P Weerakkody of the Department of Agriculture, University of
Peradeniya said that only around 100 hectares of green house cover is
used in Sri Lanka and added that there is vast room for improvement for
protected agriculture in the country.
He said we need to learn from developed countries that have large
areas of poly houses. Protected agriculture is the way forward.
Dr. M.I.M Mowjood of the Department of Agricultural Engineering,
University of Peradeniya said that Sri Lanka will be unable to increase
food production due to water pollution that takes place as a result of
negligence of affluent treatment by industries and households. |
