The concluding workshop of the four-year project “Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture through Effective Biosecurity and Digital Technology”, implemented with the support of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and financial contributions from the Government of South Korea, was successfully held in Colombo yesterday (12).
Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekhar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, participated as the Chief Guest.
Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized that the country’s fisheries and aquaculture sector must modernize urgently to overcome intense competition in the international market.
“Shrimp farming is a sector that contributes significantly to our country’s food security as well as foreign exchange earnings. Despite challenges such as climate change and disease outbreaks, our farmers now have the opportunity to supply high-quality products to the international market using digital technology and biosecurity systems introduced through this project. The government is always committed to improving the livelihoods of farmers and providing the necessary facilities for innovation,” the Minister added.
A key achievement under this project is the establishment of the ‘National Shrimp Industry Information System’ (SIIS). Ministry Secretary Dr. B.K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa noted that this represents a progressive reform of the state administration system rather than merely a technological tool.
The sensor-based technology will enable real-time monitoring of water quality in aquaculture farms and provide early warnings of disease outbreaks. In addition, the Secretary stated that there are plans to expand this digital technology to other sectors, such as sea crab, seaweed, and ornamental fish farming in the future.
Under this project, modern laboratory equipment and IT infrastructure worth US$ 128,000 have been provided to NAQDA institutions. Special training programs have also been conducted for 450 producers and 190 government officials.
The event was attended by H.E. Miyon Lee, Ambassador of South Korea to Sri Lanka, the Chairpersons of NAQDA and NARA institutions, along with a group of local and foreign dignitaries.
