{"id":5010,"date":"2024-07-28T16:48:15","date_gmt":"2024-07-28T11:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.renasl.org\/?p=5010"},"modified":"2024-07-28T16:52:29","modified_gmt":"2024-07-28T11:22:29","slug":"how-sri-lankas-farmers-can-transition-to-organic-agriculture-through-a-smallholder-centric-approach-over-a-large-plantation-model","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.renasl.org\/fr\/5010\/how-sri-lankas-farmers-can-transition-to-organic-agriculture-through-a-smallholder-centric-approach-over-a-large-plantation-model\/","title":{"rendered":"How Sri Lanka\u2019s Farmers Can Transition to Organic Agriculture Through a Smallholder-Centric Approach Over a Large Plantation Model\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sustainable development practitioners and organizations like the <\/span>Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<\/span><\/b> are increasingly demonstrating that <\/span>small-scale farming<\/span><\/b> is <\/span>more resource-friendly and resource-saving<\/span><\/b> in a world rapidly depleting its natural resources. <\/span>Smallholder farming<\/span><\/b> is emerging as the best method to ensure food security in the future. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has, over the last few centuries, adopted <\/span>conventional industrial age thinking<\/span><\/b>, which has led to the <\/span>dominance of large-scale agricultural practices<\/span><\/b>. This <\/span>\u00ab\u00a0big is better\u00a0\u00bb mindset<\/span><\/b> has resulted in <\/span>massive infrastructure projects, extensive plantations<\/span><\/b>, <\/span>and centralized control of economic resources.<\/span><\/b> As a result, Sri Lanka’s ability to sustain itself is now under threat.<\/span><\/p>\n

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An extensive tea plantation in Sri Lanka <\/span><\/i>\u00a9<\/span><\/i><\/b> Renaissance Sri Lanka.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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The agricultural sector in Sri Lanka covers <\/span>nearly two million hectares, with major plantation crops extending over 740,805 hectares <\/span><\/b>(Department of Census and Statistics, 2016). Additionally, <\/span>180,000 hectares are occupied by other permanent crops<\/span><\/b>, while <\/span>paddy farming is practiced on 300,725 hectares. <\/span><\/b>Another <\/span>200,000 hectares are annually planted with assorted field crops.<\/span><\/b> These figures highlight the <\/span>scale of large-scale agriculture<\/span><\/b> in the country. However, transitioning to organic agriculture at this macro level without sufficient ecological infrastructure to support the required ecosystem services would likely result in failure. Therefore, policymakers must avoid falling into this trap.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Paddy is cultivated on a large scale \u00a9<\/span><\/i> Renaissance Sri Lanka<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The decline in the average size of smallholdings in Sri Lanka further complicates the situation. <\/span>The average size has decreased by 64% over the last 56 years, from 1.3 hectares in 1946 to 0.47 hectares by 2022<\/span><\/b> (Department of Census and Statistics, 2022). Additionally<\/span>, 66% of cropland is rain-fed and increasingly vulnerable to climate variability and extremes<\/span><\/b> (IUCN, 2016). This situation necessitates a <\/span>risk mitigation approach<\/span><\/b> that supports smallholder communities in adapting to climate change and improving farming techniques to reduce its impacts, such as adopting natural farming based on <\/span>ecosystem approaches.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Targeting smallholders first in the transition to organic agriculture is crucial. Success in this endeavor requires treating the <\/span>agro-ecology of micro-regions<\/span><\/b> rather than just individual households or paddy fields. These efforts are more intense, encompass a broader range of activities than mere input replacement, and require strong monitoring to ensure that outcomes remain on track. Although challenging conventional thinking, this approach is necessary for a stable and prosperous Sri Lanka.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Challenges of the Current Large-Scale Agricultural Model<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>dominance of large plantations<\/span><\/b> in Sri Lanka has several drawbacks. Large-scale <\/span>monoculture plantations<\/span><\/b> deplete soil nutrients, reduce biodiversity<\/span><\/b>, and <\/span>increase vulnerability to pests and diseases.<\/span><\/b> The reliance on <\/span>chemical fertilizer<\/span><\/b>s and <\/span>pesticides further degrades soil health<\/span><\/b> and <\/span>pollutes water sources, leading to long-term environmental damage<\/span><\/b>. Moreover, large plantations often <\/span>prioritize export-oriented crops,<\/span><\/b> which can undermine food security by reducing the availability of diverse and nutritious local foods.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Degradation of soil health due to large-scale tea cultivation <\/span><\/i>\u00a9<\/span><\/i> Renaissance Sri Lanka<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Advantages of a Smallholder-Centric Approach<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In contrast, smallholder farming offers several advantages. Small-scale farms tend to be more diverse, growing a variety of crops that enhance <\/span>biodiversity and improve resilience to pests<\/span><\/b> and <\/span>diseases.<\/span><\/b> Smallholders are more likely to adopt sustainable practices, such as <\/span>crop rotation, intercropping, <\/span><\/b>and <\/span>agroforestry,<\/span><\/b> which contribute to <\/span>soil health and water conservation<\/span><\/b>. Furthermore, smallholder farming can be more labor-intensive, creating employment opportunities and supporting rural economies.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Steps to Transition Smallholders to Organic Agriculture<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n