In brief
Sri Lanka has launched the AgriConnect program, a $665 million investment from the World Bank Group and the International Fund for Agricultural Development. The initiative seeks to connect 900,000 farmers to value chains by 2030, while attracting an additional $170 million in private‑sector investment. The agriculture sector accounts for about 15% of GDP, 30% of exports and one‑third of employment.
On Friday, Sri Lanka announced the launch of the AgriConnect program, a $665 million investment backed by the World Bank Group and the International Fund for Agricultural Development to modernise the country’s agriculture sector.
The program plans to connect 900,000 farmers to agricultural value chains by 2030 through digitalisation and other modernisation measures, the launch statement said.
World Bank Group will contribute $550 million in investment support while IFAD will provide $115 million, according to the agency’s release.
Officials said the initiative also intends to attract up to $170 million in additional private‑sector investment over the next five years.
The agriculture and food sector accounts for about 15 percent of Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product, 30 percent of merchandise exports and roughly one‑third of total employment.
The launch notes that AgriConnect will focus on transforming the sector into a more climate‑resilient and market‑oriented industry.
