The official launch of the CROPIX system, the national digital platform for data-driven agriculture was held under the patronage of Mr. K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation
The official launch of the CROPIX system, the national digital platform for data-driven agriculture, was held yesterday (23rd) at the Grand Cinnamon Hotel premises under the patronage of Mr. K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation. This data system, co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial support from the Gates Foundation, is expected to modernize agricultural governance, improve service delivery, and strengthen evidence-based decision-making across the sector.
Joining this occasion, Mr. K.D. Lalkantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, expressed his views.
It is a privilege to speak at this nationally important occasion where we officially begin a digital transformation journey that will usher our country’s agriculture into a new era. This is not just a team involved in introducing an information technology system. The way the government plans agriculture is currently a major challenge. Sometimes, issues may arise. There are still planning problems. That’s why we have to import some things. The way state institutions work with each other is a burning issue in the country. There is a situation where state institutions exist individually based on their own identity.
A national policy transformation that fundamentally changes the way state services reach the farmer is necessary. The Agricultural Instructor and the Agricultural Research and Production Assistant are the bridge connecting us at the top with the farming community. Even today, when we talk about this, it’s still quite weak. This effort will provide a lot of answers there. The commitment of the FAO is very important. Likewise, the Gates Foundation is crucial.
The major problem that affects us when the Food Security Committee operates is the lack of data. This time we are giving even Rs. 140 for maize. We are giving Rs. 140 for Keeri Samba. If Keeri Samba production is to be increased, the price must be raised. Today we took the first step here by launching the data system. Further steps must be taken.
Joining this occasion, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Engineer Eranga Weeraratna, also expressed his views.
Today is a very crucial day for the Ministry of Agriculture as well as the Ministry of Digital Economy. This program is not merely a program launching a digital system. This is a model of an interactive digital system. This is to unveil a model of how these three ministries and more than 50 institutions will work together. Not only that, this is a moment that unveils a model and policy framework of how the data in these institutions is exchanged securely and in a manner compatible with our digitalization.
Various digital systems have been launched on different occasions. But most of the time these systems have been launched confined to only one institution. There is no connection between these individual institutions. Most of the time, the same data is scattered across different institutions. Some digital systems are built without any planning. This data system becomes valuable only if it is properly utilized. Everyone has a responsibility to carry forward this initiative.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. D.P. Wickremasinghe, representatives of the FAO, officials of the Gates Foundation and other officials participated in this event.
