FAO helps Sri Lanka launch its first digital shrimp platform
EconomyNext: A Shrimp Industry Information System that provides real-time data and analytics has been launched in Sri Lanka by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, the Ministry of Fisheries and the National Aquaculture Development Authority and funded by South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.
“The SIIS is more than a platform – it is an ecosystem that connects people, data, and innovation,” said Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
“By leveraging smart technology, we can improve productivity, reduce disease risks, and strengthen livelihoods for coastal communities that depend on shrimp farming.”
The SIIS will advance data-driven, biosecure, and sustainable shrimp farming in Sri Lanka, the FAO said.
It connects shrimp farmers, laboratories, regulators, and policymakers through real-time data and analytics.
It brings together Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and early-warning systems to support decision-making.
SIIS is accessible through both mobile and web applications, and allows users to monitor farm conditions, record water quality parameters, report diseases, and receive automated alerts and advisories.
The platform enables national-level visibility of aquaculture activities, facilitating management and coordinated response to emerging risks, FAO pointed out.
“By adopting digital and biosecure practices, our farmers can minimize losses, increase productivity, and compete more effectively in international markets,” said Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.
“The SIIS will strengthen the foundation for a resilient, sustainable, and export-ready shrimp industry.”
The system aids regulatory oversight through features such as digital licensing, GIS-based mapping, and traceability.
“The SIIS demonstrates how technology can bring tangible benefits to farmers and contribute to national food security,” said Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee.
“Through the Smart Aquaculture Project, we aim to share Korea’s experience in digital transformation to help strengthen sustainable aquaculture and rural livelihoods.”
Farmers, research institutions, and government agencies will receive continuous training to effectively use the platform and apply data-driven management practices, the FAO said.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s digital industry is one of the fastest growing industries in the country with an increasing demand due to the expanding economic activities in the country. These expansions are witnessed in all key economic sectors in the country resulting in many business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors. The introduction of the first digital shrimp platform is indicative of the growing requirement of many economic sectors to be digitally engaged with the use of the latest technologies. Similar activities are witnessed in many other economic sectors as well. Hence, Sri Lanka’s ongoing economic activities in line with becoming a regional hub have created the need for the country to be on par with the fast-evolving global digital industry and related sectors. The growth and profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the country’s digital industry, the aggressive digitization programme launched by the Sri Lankan government and the interest shown by foreign businesses/investors to engage in the local industry are indicative of the growth and business potential of Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors. Given all these factors, foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lank’s digital industry and related sectors.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20251117/Z_2 |