China provides smart technology support to boost Sri Lanka’s agriculture – Meeting between Chinese Ambassador and Minister K.D. Lal Kantha
With the aim of further strengthening agricultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and China, a special discussion was held today (14th) at the Govijana Mandiraya between the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mr. Wei Huaxiang and Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation.
During this meeting, discussions were held at length on strengthening the ties between the two countries further, along with future development initiatives in the fields of agriculture, irrigation and livestock.
During this meeting, the Chinese Ambassador paid special attention to greenhouse cultivation and smart agriculture. China has currently developed technology to manage agricultural operations through mobile applications that measure soil suitability, humidity and all other environmental conditions for cultivation and expressed willingness to provide this technical support to Sri Lanka.
The Ambassador also pointed out that China possesses advanced hybrid rice varieties capable of being cultivated even in seawater and technology for preparing land to suit both dry and wet climatic conditions. The importance of moving toward balanced development by interconnecting the three sectors of services, industry and agriculture was also emphasized during the discussion.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, who took part in the discussion, explained the current state of agriculture in Sri Lanka. He noted that Sri Lanka is self-sufficient in rice and that 50% of the country’s maize requirement is produced locally. He also mentioned that much of the farm machinery needed in the country is imported from China and expressed gratitude for the technical training programs the Chinese government provides for Sri Lankan farmers.
The Secretary further stated that Chinese companies have already contributed to large-scale irrigation projects and that technical support from China is also expected for upcoming projects planned for the future.
The Chinese Ambassador, who commended the friendliness of the Sri Lankan people, also recalled the opportunity he had to observe a greenhouse operating in the Southern Province with Chinese assistance. Noting that, having been born in a rural area himself, he has a good understanding of rural economies, the Ambassador further mentioned that there is potential to create space for Sri Lankan agricultural products within China’s vast market.
Both parties gave attention to the need to further strengthen ties between the agriculture ministries of two countries.
Discussions and decisions at the official level are scheduled to take place in the near future regarding fertilizer usage, post-harvest technology and the development of the livestock sector. Minister of Agriculture, Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, emphasized that Sri Lanka is ready to continue and further strengthen this ongoing cooperation with China.
