Dialog’s Govi Mithuru and Tea Research Institute drive agri excellence in tea sector

Dialog Nuwara Eliya Territory In Charge Pubudu Samarawickrama, Dialog Axiata PLC Unit Manager Digital Innovation and Inclusion Tharusha Wanigasekara, Dialog Axiata PLC Head of Sustainability and Group Chief of Risk and Compliance Asanga Priyadarshana, Tea Research Institute Director/CEO Dr. K.M. Mohotti, Tea Research Institute Officer In Charge of Mid Country Regional Centre/Advisory Officer K.R.W.B. Kahandawa and Consultant Digital Inclusion Group Sustainability Malith Dewasurendra

Govi Mithuru, Sri Lanka’s premier mobile phone-based agricultural advisory service by Dialog Axiata PLC, continued its long-standing partnership with the Tea Research Institute (TRI) by empowering the tea cultivating community with best-in-class agri solutions at their Open Day event.
This collaborative effort aims to provide the essential advisory services to the tea farmers through the Govi Mithuru platform, serving as a valuable resource for tea crop cultivation. Further, in conjunction with the TRI, Govi Mithuru continues to conduct widespread awareness programmes dedicated to advancing tea cultivation practices. This initiative driven by Govi Mithuru and the TRI remains committed to introducing cutting-edge digital agricultural solutions to innovate the tea industry, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 1 – end poverty in all its forms everywhere and Goal 9 – build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.

At the TRI Open Day, Govi Mithuru and the TRI of Sri Lanka announced plans to expand their services to digitally empower the tea farmers. To date, the app has registered over 35,000 tea farmers, who obtain timely guidance on tea cultivation and production. These services, backed by the TRI’s research, technical knowledge and advisory support, aim to address the challenges faced by the tea farmers. The event provided a valuable opportunity for Govi Mithuru and the TRI to better understand the needs of the tea farmers and optimise their support.
The groundbreaking, trilingual Govi Mithuru service strives to rectify the pressing challenge of farmers experiencing restricted access to timely crop information that could in turn lead to reduced harvests and financial hardships. By delivering precise information to the farmers at the right time, the platform enables the farmers to optimise efficiency, safeguard crops and ultimately boost harvests. Advisory services for 32 crops, including tea, are currently offered on the Govi Mithuru platform. The users can access the full range of Govi Mithuru services through the app, downloadable directly from Google Play Store or by dialling 616 for the voice service.
More information can be accessed via www.govimithuru.lk.