Introduction to Sri Lanka’s Agricultural Crisis
At a facility in Hokandara, a team of young mechatronics, software engineers, and scientists at Ceylon Agro Food Technologies (CAFT) are working to solve a crisis crippling the nation’s most vital crops: a severe labor shortage and dwindling productivity. Led by veteran engineer and businessman Susantha Gunawardene, they are developing innovative tools to address these challenges.
The Root of the Problem
The labor shortage in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector is a result of a generational shift. Young people from estate areas are increasingly opting for less physically demanding jobs in cities, leaving behind an aging workforce. This exodus has dire consequences, with some tea estates in Nuwara Eliya having only two workers for every ten needed. The lack of labor and productivity is harming the quality of Ceylon Tea and could reduce export value.
The Impact on Crops
The labor shortage is affecting not only the tea sector but also coconut and paddy cultivation. A shortage of skilled climbers means coconuts go unharvested, and pest control is neglected. In paddy cultivation, younger generations are hesitant to take up traditional farming, leading to a decline in productivity. To address these challenges, CAFT is developing targeted, home-grown technology.
Tech-Driven Solutions for the Field
CAFT is tackling the labor shortage and productivity challenges head-on with innovative solutions. The company uses drones for precision spraying on tea estates, mechanized coconut climbers, and automated paddy seeders. These technologies are designed to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and improve crop yields.
Tea Cultivation
CAFT uses drones for the foliar application of fertilizer, which can cover one hectare in just 30 minutes, compared to the five to six hours it takes two workers to do manually. The team is also fine-tuning a mechanical tea harvester, poised for commercial use next year.
Paddy Farming
Instead of manual broadcasting, CAFT employs automated drone-based seeding. Drones deposit patented water-soluble capsules containing paddy seeds directly into the soil in a uniform pattern, facilitating mechanical weeding and increasing productivity by 30-40%.
Coconut Production
CAFT is developing a patented robotic solution for coconut tree climbing, which can safely access the tree crown to harvest nuts, pollinate, apply pesticides, and perform essential cleaning, boosting tree health and yield.
Strategic Partnership for Growth
A major milestone for CAFT was its 2023 joint venture with Elpitiya Plantations PLC, which provided powerful synergy. The partnership provides a real-world testing ground and a direct path to commercialization. With a current fleet of 11 drones for tea and paddy, CAFT plans to add more than 20 drones to the operation by next year, marking its transition from an R&D firm to a fully commercialized agro-tech service provider.
Conclusion
Ceylon Agro Food Technologies is cultivating a sustainable and prosperous future for Sri Lankan agriculture. Driven by the ingenuity and enthusiasm of its young talent, the company is building innovative machines and technologies to address the labor shortage and productivity challenges in the sector. With its strategic partnership and commitment to R&D, CAFT is poised to make a significant impact on Sri Lanka’s agricultural industry, ensuring food security and economic stability for the nation.
