Organic agriculture, characterized by its reliance on natural processes and minimal use of synthetic inputs, has gained significant attention globally as a sustainable alternative to conventional farming. In Sri Lanka, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods, the adoption of organic farming practices offers a promising avenue for rural development.
In the contemporary agricultural landscape, data-driven decision-making is essential for effective resource management, policy formulation, and agricultural development. Despite significant efforts by the state to acquire comprehensive island-wide data through initiatives such as resource books, land use maps, disaster maps, and environmental data, access to this information remains limited for key policymakers and agricultural actors.…
In the evolving landscape of agriculture, the emphasis on organic processes has gained momentum, driven by the need for sustainability, environmental preservation, and health benefits. A crucial aspect of maximizing the outputs of organic processes lies in building sufficient stocks of mandatory inputs and subsidizing nutrition over yield. This approach not only ensures long-term sustainability…
Since 2015, the global community has made significant strides towards fostering sustainable development. This commitment is evident in landmark agreements such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change (COP 21), and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. These initiatives have heightened awareness…
Sustainable development practitioners and organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are increasingly demonstrating that small-scale farming is more resource-friendly and resource-saving in a world rapidly depleting its natural resources. Smallholder farming is emerging as the best method to ensure food security in the future. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has, over the last few centuries,…
Sri Lanka’s ancient civilizations were masterful in their utilization of natural resources, especially water, to sustain agricultural productivity and community health. Centered around the island’s 103 rivers and many artificial tanks and reservoirs, these holistic farming methods optimized land and water use in a way that modern techniques often fail to replicate. The success of…
In the verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka, where agriculture has been the backbone of the economy for centuries, a quiet revolution is taking root. As global concerns about food security, environmental sustainability and human health continue to grow, there is growing recognition of the importance of making the transition from conventional to organic farming methods.…
In the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka, where agriculture has been a cornerstone of livelihoods for generations, the transition to organic farming has been met with both hope and hurdles. While the promise of toxin-free agriculture and sustainable practices is enticing, the journey has been fraught with challenges that need careful consideration and understanding. Let’s…
What life is like for Samanthi* and her family in the context of the microfinance crisis With your heartfelt contribution, we can reverse the course of her life and the lives of all women who experience the same Those of us familiar with Sri Lanka will be aware of the severe socio-economic crisis that has…
Today, health care systems are often mistakenly viewed as a modern invention of Western civilizations. But the study of Sri Lanka’s past shows that this is not so, and that Ayurvedic medicine was central and widely practiced under the patronage of Sri Lankan kings. In fact, the layouts of five ancient hospital complexes in Sri…
