Sri Lanka Bets on Youth Agripreneurs to Drive Agricultural Transformation and Food Security

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation KD Lalkantha stressed that investing in youth is essential for the sector’s future.

Sri Lanka is placing rural youth at the centre of its agricultural transformation strategy, with Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya highlighting their critical role in building a more productive, resilient, and market-driven food system.

Speaking at the National Youth Agripreneur Showcase and Business-to-Business Connect event in Colombo, the Prime Minister подчеркed that empowering young entrepreneurs is key to modernising agriculture and ensuring long-term food security.

"Youth are central to transforming our agriculture sector into one that is more productive, resilient and market-driven," she said. "The success of programmes like SAPP shows that with the right support, young people can lead this transformation."

A Growing Movement of Young Agricultural Innovators

The high-profile event, organised under the Smallholder Agribusiness Partnerships Programme (SAPP) — funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of Sri Lanka — brought together over 400 young agripreneurs, policymakers, and development partners.

It served as a platform to showcase innovation in agriculture while connecting rural youth with:

• Financial institutions

• Private sector buyers

• Market opportunities

• Development partners

The gathering reflects a growing recognition that youth-led agribusiness can address some of Sri Lanka's most pressing challenges — from low productivity and rural unemployment to climate vulnerability.

Government Push for Modern, Market-Oriented Agriculture

Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation KD Lalkantha stressed that investing in youth is essential for the sector's future.

"Through programmes like SAPP, we are creating opportunities for youth to engage in modern, market-oriented agriculture while strengthening rural livelihoods," he said.

The focus is shifting away from traditional subsistence farming toward commercial, value-added, and technology-driven agriculture, enabling young entrepreneurs to compete in both domestic and international markets.

SAPP Model Delivers Tangible Results

Since its launch in 2017, SAPP has supported nearly 5,000 young agripreneurs, offering a structured approach that combines:

• Skills development and training

• Access to finance

• Market linkages and business support

The programme has demonstrated measurable impact — improving productivity, increasing incomes, and helping young entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

Development experts say such integrated models are critical to unlocking the full potential of rural economies.

IFAD: Youth Investment Key to Sustainable Food Systems

IFAD Country Director Sherina Tabassum emphasized that youth entrepreneurship is not just a social goal but a strategic investment in long-term sustainability.

"Investing in youth agripreneurs is one of the most powerful ways to build inclusive and resilient food systems," she said.

She noted that engaging youth in agriculture helps ensure innovation, adaptability, and continuity in a sector facing mounting pressures from climate change and market volatility.

Innovation, Climate Resilience, and Digital Transformation

The event featured discussions on key themes shaping the future of agriculture, including:

• Climate-resilient farming practices

• Digital technologies in agriculture

• Financial inclusion for rural entrepreneurs

These areas are increasingly seen as critical to improving efficiency, reducing risks, and enhancing competitiveness in the agricultural sector.

Global Learning Through South-South Cooperation

A notable highlight was the emphasis on South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC), with participation from India's Rural Enterprise Acceleration Project (REAP).

The exchange allowed participants to share experiences and scalable models for youth-led agribusiness development across countries.

"It has been inspiring to see how young agripreneurs in Sri Lanka are building successful businesses," said REAP participant Arjun Mehra. "These exchanges help us adapt solutions that work across regions."

Real Stories of Impact

The success of the programme was illustrated through stories like that of Bhagya Liyanaarachchi, founder of Saubhagya Agro.

"With SAPP's support, I turned my passion into a growing business and reached international markets," she said. "Today, I'm creating opportunities for women in my community while promoting Sri Lankan products globally."

Her journey reflects a broader trend of youth-driven entrepreneurship contributing to both economic growth and social inclusion.

Building a Sustainable Rural Future

By strengthening partnerships between government, private sector players, and rural communities, Sri Lanka is creating pathways for young people to see agriculture not just as a livelihood, but as a viable, profitable, and innovative career.

As the country navigates economic recovery and climate challenges, youth agripreneurs are emerging as a powerful force — reshaping agriculture, revitalising rural economies, and ensuring food security for the future.