In Sri Lanka, farming is considered tradition and necessary for survival. Hundreds of hard hours are invested in growing crops and for many farming families, this is their only source of income. The importance of communication and access to relevant information is key for these farms as they continue to face ever-changing risks and challenges.
Keen to learn more, Chathura travels the length of Sri Lanka to meet various farmers who live and work in the Southern Province, who are now embracing a mobile technology initiative by Dialog, called Govi Mithuru.
It’s a simple service but the impact is profound. Farmers sign up for 1 rupee a day and are sent daily seasonal and relevant advice to their phone via voice messages. As Chathura finds out, it’s transforming the lives of many farmers; protecting their crops from pests and disease and giving them the knowledge they need to cultivate bigger profits than ever. With these profits, farmers can grow their businesses and provide the best lives for their families as well as safe, healthy produce for their communities.
As a 24/7 service, help is always at hand too, which is giving this proud industry – one built on intuition, experience, and heritage – the foundation to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
Making its way around the world, the Case For Change is packed with everything people need to tell their stories on what mobile operators globally are doing to tackle the UN 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dialog’s work in Sri Lanka contributes to 1, 2 and 8 by providing farmers and their families with support guidance and agricultural advice.
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Sri Lanka 6.2374° N, 80.5438° E