A special discussion focusing on the use of space technology including satellite and drone technology for the development of country’s agriculture was held recently under the patronage of the Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Sarath Amunugama at the Natural Resources Management Centre of the Department of Agriculture at Peradeniya.

Many of the advanced countries in the world which have achieved rapid progress in the agricultural sector have successfully employed space technology for the development of this sector and have found it to be extremely cost effective. The Minister emphatically stated that since there are a number of institutions in the country dealing with this technology, the knowledge gained through the space technology must be used practically to uplift the living standard of the people. A large number of officials representing the Department of Agriculture, National Science Foundation and National Institute of Fundamental Studies attended the event.