Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha has inspected South Asia’s largest aquaponic technology greenhouse, which has been left abandoned despite a multi-billion-rupee investment.
The project, located on an 18-acre site in Kumarakattuwa, Arachchikattuwa, was initiated with World Bank support under the Agriculture Modernization Program. It carried an investment of more than Rs. 2 billion, including a Rs. 100 million grant.
Designed to integrate aquaculture and hydroponics, the facility enabled fish to be reared while nutrient-rich wastewater was converted into nitrates, feeding plants grown in the system. In turn, the plants filtered the water, which was recycled back to the fish tanks. At full capacity, the greenhouse produced between 20,000 and 30,000 kilograms monthly.
However, operations collapsed during the 2021–2022 economic crisis. Officials said delays of over a year in obtaining permits for the import of seeds and fish feed restricted production to just 10 percent of its intended output.
Minister Lal Kantha, following his inspection, said discussions would be held with stakeholders to explore the feasibility of reviving the project.
Ministry officials said the project had initially operated to international standards and could still be restored if proper measures are taken. (Newswire)