Sri Lankan farmer using smartphone in field, accessing agricultural information

Farming Smarter: How Sri Lankan Farmers Can Master Modern Agriculture

Beau Callahan in Tech & Innovation August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Unlock the secrets to thriving in today's agriculture: A practical guide for Sri Lankan cucurbit farmers to access knowledge, overcome challenges, and boost yields."

In the heart of Sri Lanka, a quiet revolution is taking place. Farmers, the backbone of the nation, are adapting to the demands of modern agriculture, seeking new ways to boost their yields and access global markets. This transformation isn't just about planting seeds; it's about cultivating knowledge and embracing innovation.

For Sri Lankan cucurbit farmers, the journey to success hinges on accessing the right agricultural knowledge at the right time. This knowledge is the compass that guides them through the complexities of export markets, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) standards, and the ever-evolving demands of the industry.

This article explores how these farmers interact with agricultural knowledge resources, the barriers they face, and the strategies they employ to thrive in a competitive landscape. Drawing from recent research, we'll uncover practical insights that empower farmers to make informed decisions and cultivate a brighter future.

Decoding the Knowledge Landscape: Where Farmers Turn for Answers

Sri Lankan farmer using smartphone in field, accessing agricultural information

Sri Lankan farmers tap into a diverse network of information sources, each offering unique benefits. These sources can be broadly categorized as formal (government extension workers) and informal (family members, fellow farmers), with a further distinction between digital and non-digital channels.

Government extension officers, including Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als), are often the first point of contact for farmers seeking guidance. These government employees provide crucial information on GAP standards, pest control, and best farming practices. Many farmers express a deep reliance on these officers.

Formal Channels: CAB officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als) offer structured, government-backed advice.
Informal Networks: Family traditions and knowledge sharing with other farmers play a significant role.
Digital Resources: Online platforms and social media are increasingly used for information gathering.
Blending Approaches: Successful farmers often combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques learned from various sources.

Informal sources, particularly family members, also play a vital role. Many farmers inherit ancestral knowledge and learn from their fathers, creating a legacy of agricultural expertise. However, attitudes towards fellow farmers as sources vary. Some farmers find them invaluable sources of support, while others are wary of competition and reluctant to share information. Digital resources, including online sources and social media, are gaining traction. While some farmers struggle with navigating the vast amount of online information, others find it invaluable for accessing specific knowledge and connecting with other farmers.

Cultivating a Knowledge-Rich Future: Recommendations for Success

To empower Sri Lankan farmers and foster a thriving agricultural sector, it's crucial to strengthen the flow of information and bridge the gap between knowledge and practice. Encouraging two-way communication channels between government extension services and farmers is paramount. While extension workers are highly respected, farmers need a platform to voice their challenges and provide feedback on the practicality of recommended practices. By incorporating farmer feedback and acknowledging the diversity of information sources, policymakers can create more effective policies and support the growth of agricultural exports. Embracing digital tools and online platforms is also essential. Putting more government agricultural information online in easily accessible formats and popularizing these sites will empower farmers to access the knowledge they need to thrive.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2139/ssrn.3058659, Alternate LINK

Title: Negotiating Access To Information: The Case Of Sri Lankan Cucurbit Farmer

Journal: SSRN Electronic Journal

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Chiranthi Rajapakse, Piyumi Gamage, Andy Dearden, Melissa Densmore, Marion R Walton, Rn, Ms

Published: 2017-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

Where do Sri Lankan farmers typically get their agricultural information?

Sri Lankan farmers primarily rely on government extension officers like Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als) for structured advice on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), pest control, and overall best farming practices. They also depend on informal networks, especially family members, for inherited knowledge. Digital resources are increasingly used, although accessibility varies. The blending of formal, informal, and digital knowledge is common among successful farmers.

How can the government extension services, like Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als), better support Sri Lankan farmers?

Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als) play a crucial role in providing information. To enhance their effectiveness, two-way communication channels are needed, allowing farmers to offer feedback on recommended practices. Incorporating farmer input into policy-making ensures that agricultural policies are practical and relevant. Improving digital accessibility by putting more government agricultural information online and promoting these platforms can also significantly empower farmers.

What role does family tradition play in the agricultural knowledge of Sri Lankan farmers?

Farmers often inherit agricultural expertise from their fathers and other family members, carrying on traditions of farming knowledge. These informal networks provide invaluable support and practical advice, complementing the formal guidance offered by Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als). The interplay between inherited wisdom and modern techniques is vital for sustainable agriculture.

Why are Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) important for Sri Lankan cucurbit farmers, and how do they learn about them?

Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are standards that Sri Lankan farmers need to follow, particularly for export markets. Counselors for Agribusiness (CAB) officers and Agricultural Instructors (Als) are the primary sources of information about these standards, assisting farmers in meeting the necessary requirements. Adhering to GAP standards is crucial for accessing global markets and enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lankan cucurbit farmers.

In what ways can Sri Lankan policy makers improve knowledge and empower farmers to improve the agricultural exports?

To cultivate a knowledge-rich future for Sri Lankan farmers it will be necessary to strengthen the communication between farmers and the government. It will be key to acknowledge diverse information sources. Policymakers can create more effective policies and support the growth of agricultural exports. Embracing digital tools and online platforms is also essential. Putting more government agricultural information online in easily accessible formats and popularizing these sites will empower farmers to access the knowledge they need to thrive.