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The Journey of Agricultural Education at Smithk Agro: Leading the Future of Modernized Farming in Sri Lanka

Writer's picture: Roshith RanmukageRoshith Ranmukage

Agricultural education is the backbone of food security and economic resilience, especially for countries like Sri Lanka where agriculture is a vital industry. Despite its importance, a surprising statistic reveals that only 1.7% of Sri Lanka’s farming population has received formal agricultural training. This gap signals an urgent need for accessible, modernized, and effective agricultural education—an area where Smithk Agro has taken the lead.



Smithk Agro: A Commitment to Modern Agriculture Education


Smithk Agro embarked on its educational journey to bring modern agricultural practices to Sri Lanka's farmers, students, and industry professionals. Since its founding, Smithk Agro has been committed to promoting the latest technology and knowledge to empower agricultural professionals with skills that are not only relevant but also essential to advancing our nation’s agricultural industry. Our vision includes making high-quality agricultural education widely accessible, with a focus on practical skills and knowledge that can be applied to solve real-world agricultural challenges in Sri Lanka.

Our courses are designed with industry relevance in mind. By emphasizing modernized farming techniques, Smithk Agro supports farmers in transitioning from traditional methods to advanced, sustainable practices. Whether through Greenhouse Technology, Pest Management, Hydroponics, or Protected Agriculture, we bring together global insights and local expertise to provide impactful training programs.


Bridging the Educational Gap: The ‘Greenhouse Technology & Management’ Training


The ‘Greenhouse Technology & Management’ certificate course is at the heart of Smithk Agro’s educational efforts. This program was launched to address the crucial need for specialized training in greenhouse farming—a method that has proven highly effective in improving crop yields and sustainability. With Sri Lanka facing numerous agricultural challenges, including climate change and limited land resources, greenhouse farming presents a viable solution to boost productivity and maintain food security.

Our upcoming training sessions will take place on November 31st to December 1st and again on December 6th to December 8th at our Greenhouse Complex in Boralesgamuwa. These three-day and two-day intensive sessions are crafted to provide hands-on learning experiences alongside comprehensive theoretical instruction. Led by seasoned professionals from Sri Lanka's Department of Agriculture and consultants from global organizations, the program combines practical skills with cutting-edge agricultural knowledge.



What Participants Can Expect from the Training


Each training session is designed to cover all essential aspects of greenhouse technology and management. With a curriculum that focuses on modern agricultural techniques, participants will learn about protected farming, greenhouse construction, crop management, pest and disease control, plant nutrition, irrigation and fertigation systems, hydroponics, and much more. Here is what participants can look forward to:

  • Comprehensive Practical Training: Each module incorporates hands-on practice, allowing participants to build, manage, and optimize greenhouse systems. Our instructors guide students through every step, ensuring they can confidently apply these skills in real-life farming scenarios.

  • Exposure to Modern Agricultural Tools: From climate control systems to precision fertigation, participants will work with advanced agricultural tools that are vital to greenhouse operations.

  • Interactive Learning from Expert Instructors: Our faculty includes specialists who are not only academically qualified but also have extensive practical experience in greenhouse farming and agricultural project management.

  • Assessment & Certification: Each participant's progress is tracked through regular assessments. A final evaluation ensures they leave with validated skills and a certificate recognized by Smithk Agro, which adds significant value to their professional profiles.



The Growing Impact of Smithk Agro’s Training Programs


Since launching our educational initiatives, we’ve successfully trained over 300 individuals across Sri Lanka, from aspiring young farmers to experienced professionals seeking to upgrade their skills. Our courses have empowered students with the knowledge needed to adopt innovative agricultural methods that address Sri Lanka’s specific farming needs. As we move forward, our goal is to expand these training programs and reach even more communities across the country.


Why Agricultural Education Matters


Agricultural education isn’t just about increasing productivity; it’s about building resilience in our agricultural sector. Sri Lanka's future food security depends on educated farmers who understand sustainable practices and modern technologies. Through Smithk Agro’s programs, we’re creating a new generation of agriculture professionals equipped to tackle the challenges facing the industry, from climate impacts to resource scarcity.

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished so far but are even more excited for the future. The next two sessions of our ‘Greenhouse Technology & Management’ training represent yet another step forward in closing the agricultural education gap in Sri Lanka.


Join Us in Transforming Agriculture in Sri Lanka


Smithk Agro is committed to advancing Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector, and we invite anyone interested in this journey to join us. If you are passionate about agriculture, eager to learn, or keen on enhancing your skills, our upcoming sessions are the perfect opportunity to get involved.

Let’s work together to ensure a sustainable, food-secure future for Sri Lanka!



 
 
 

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