Ceylon Agro Food Technologies: Cultivating solutions for Sri Lanka's agri-crisis

At a facility in Hokandara, a powerful vision for Sri Lanka's agricultural future is taking shape.

- BY SANATH NANAYAKKARE

Farmers witness the future of paddy farming as drone technology takes flight with Ceylon Agro Food Technologies.

Here, veteran engineer - businessman Susantha Gunawardene presides over a team of energetic young mechatronics - software engineers and scientists at Ceylon Agro Food Technologies (CAFT). They are developing tools to solve a crisis crippling the nation's most vital crops: a severe labour shortage and dwindling productivity.

The scene is a compelling blend of experience and innovation. Drones used for precision spraying on tea estates are being calibrated next to mechanized coconut climbers and automated paddy seeders. This is the frontline of a quiet revolution aimed at securing the future of Sri Lanka's tea, coconut, and paddy sectors.

"I set up this company in 2020 to address the two critical issues facing our agriculture: the lack of labour and the lack of productivity," explains Gunawardene. He paints a stark picture of a generational shift. The younger generation from estate areas is increasingly opting for less physically demanding jobs in cities, leaving behind an aging workforce.

This exodus has dire consequences. In the tea sector, industry sources suggest some Nuwara Eliya estates have only two workers for every ten needed.