A highly engaging Capacity Building Workshop on “Digital Technologies in Agriculture” was organized under the ‘NSF Global Digital Platform’ initiative of the National Science Foundation (NSF), Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna on 18th December, 2025 from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. at the Department’s Lecture Theatre in Mapalana, Matara. An audience of 101 participants comprised of academics, researchers, students and young innovators mainly from the university attended this event to explore how digital tools can shape the future of agriculture.
The workshop was guided with expert input by Prof. Athula Ginige (Western Sydney University, Australia) who is a globally recognized leader in digital agriculture, social computing and agri-tech innovation and was accompanied by his interdisciplinary team of digital agriculture and systems research specialists.
Opening remarks by Dr J.G. Shantha Siri (Additional Director, NSF) and Senior Prof. G.Y. Jayasinghe (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ruhuna) set an encouraging tone for discussion. Prof. Ginige’s sessions elaborated practical frameworks on designing digital solutions adapted to the Sri Lankan context, highlighting case studies on digital ecosystems for farming, data-driven decision support tools, and participatory technology adoption models that empower farmers and communities.
A notable discussion point focused on how digital platforms can help overcome information gaps faced by smallholder farmers from crop planning to market intelligence by leveraging mobile-based systems and sensor-driven data insights. Participants actively examined challenges in data access, user relevance, and stakeholder cooperation as well as opportunities to design inclusive technology pathways that enrich both productivity and sustainability.
Interactive breakout session enabled attendees to come up with innovative suggestions emphasizing co-creation between technologists, agronomists, and end users. Insightful contributions from other presenters enriched the narrative, including perspectives on linking digital agriculture with value chain mechanisms, knowledge ecosystems, and policy alignment for scaling impact.
The workshop concluded with reflections on building capacity, strengthening partnerships, and mobilizing digital innovation for agricultural resilience, with closing remarks by Ms Thilinakumari Kandanamulla (Senior Scientific Officer, NSF).
It is envisaged that this capacity building workshop would open new avenues for collaborations between academia, inventors and the grassroots of the society contributing to achievements of the national priorities of food security.
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