FAO helps Sri Lanka launch its first digital shrimp platform
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.
Image Caption : (L-R) Prof Sanath Hettiarachchi, NARA Chairman; Dimitar Taskov, Aquaculture Specialist, FAO Rome; Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Chairman, NAQDA; Dr Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; Ambassador Miyon Lee, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Dr Kwang Suk Oh, Senior Fishery Officer, FAO Rome, Dr Hans Wijayasuriya, Advisor to Sri Lanka President, Sumudu Rathnayaka, Ministry Advisor, Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative, and Sinnadurai Thayaparan, Managing Director, Techno Crest Ventures at the launch
Source: EconomyNext