By: Staff Writer
April 16, Colombo (LNW): Youth Agripreneurship Villages are to be set up at Divisional Secretariat level, in a bid to attract youth to the agriculture sector, with the use of the latest technologies.
Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that the programme will be implemented by selecting one village in each of the selected Divisional Secretariat area this year, under the first phase and to facilitate the farmers to use new technology and smart technology.
The Government Information Department noted that the government plans to create a youth agripreneurship community and to introduce agri-innovation to agricultural areas through the programme, with the aim of attracting the youth community to agriculture and developing their economic status.
The employment in the agriculture sector declined to 2.08 million last year, from 2.15 million a year earlier, after a temporary boost in 2020 and 2021, fuelled by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Cabinet of Ministers cleared the implementation of the Agripreneurship Villages establishment project, marking the first phase of this ambitious endeavour in 2024.
The significant initiative aimed at revolutionising the agricultural sector will select one village from each of the chosen Divisional Secretariat Areas to serve as the pilot site for Agripreneurship Villages.
“These villages will serve as hubs of agricultural innovation, equipped with state-of-the-art technology and smart solutions to facilitate farmers in adopting modern agricultural practices,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardena said.
He said the primary objective of the project is to create a vibrant youth Agripreneurship community and introduce agri-innovation to rural agricultural areas.
“By encouraging a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, the project expects to attract young individuals to the field of agriculture and elevate their economic status,” he added.
Gunawardena said through the integration of new technologies and smart solutions, farmers will have access to advanced tools and techniques to optimise crop yields, minimise resource usage, and enhance overall efficiency.
In addition, he said the project aligns with broader efforts to modernise the agriculture sector and address youth unemployment and rural poverty by providing young individuals with opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment in the agricultural sector.
The proposal to this effect presented by the Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers at its meeting on Monday.
