Advancing the agriculture industry with agri entrepreneurship opportunities

Sri Lanka boasts a rich agricultural history and a self-sufficient economy based on agriculture. For centuries, our ancestors depended on sustainable agriculture practices while agriculture remained one of the most important sectors of the economy.

In a country where the majority fared well in agriculture in the past, the population depending on agriculture at present has dropped to around 28% accounting for only 7% contribution to the GDP. These numbers reflect the recent decline in the agriculture industry and demands the need for a quick turnaround in its capacity to develop the country’s economy.

One major concern related to agriculture industry is the dearth in agriculture exports which can be addressed by motivating the farmers to produce value added agriculture exports while discouraging agriculture imports. “The value of agriculture exports as of today is around 20% of total exports which needs to be increased by initiating measures to increase local production and value-added products from crop yields. At present, the average harvest yielded from a paddy hectare is around 4 tonnes which could be maximized to around 9 to 10 Tons with a well-planned mechanism and the right investments. Sri Lanka is enriched with ample resources which are viable for agriculture such as a suitable climate, fertile soil and resources, hence it is a matter of initiating a proper mechanism which creates entrepreneurship opportunities and develop the industry to a level where it can thrive in both global and domestic markets” stated Priyanga Dematawa, Chief Operating Officer of DIMO Agribusinesses.

In this background, it is vital to promote agri entrepreneurship and encourage Sri Lankans, especially the youth, to engage in agri businesses. In promoting agri entrepreneurship, a collective effort is required from all sectors including both the government and private sector stakeholders to ensure that new technology and resources are available and knowledge about new farming techniques is shared among the farmers across the country. Streamlining agriculture through new technologies helps in improving productivity and reducing cost of production which will encourage more people to turn towards agriculture as a business, leaving behind the shadows of the ‘white collar job’ concept. The role of the private sector in developing the agriculture industry is vital with its potential to strengthen the supply and value chains, promote value additions, help in commercial and large-scale production and use new and existing resources to innovate new farming techniques.

“When talking about the role of the private sector, DIMO as a socially responsible corporate, has come to the fore in developing the agriculture industry with their agriculture arm DIMO Agribusinesses, having understood the importance of the agriculture industry for the development of the country’s economy. DIMO Agribusinesses is committed to supporting the industry in multiple ways and is in the process of bringing the latest agri technologies to Sri Lanka, sharing knowledge about sustainable agriculture practices among local farmers, introducing new crop care solutions, seeds, fertilizers, greenhouse farming and micro irrigation systems. DIMO’s Agri Techno parks engage in agriculture research and development, seed production, farmer education and training initiatives to support the growth of the industry.” he added.