Global warming threatens Sri Lanka’s plantation industry

Immediate action plan proposed by Vivonta Green Tech Consultants

Global warming is accelerating due to a range of environmental factors, posing significant risks to the agriculture industry worldwide. 

Recently, the Sahara Desert experienced an unprecedented rainfall of over 100mm, causing floods in regions untouched by water for decades. This signals alarming shifts in global weather patterns, and Sri Lanka, a nation heavily reliant on plantation crops like tea, rubber, coconuts, and spices (such as cinnamon), must brace for the impacts of climate change.

Vivonta Green Tech Consultants Pvt Ltd presents a comprehensive 20-point assessment of the potential effects of global warming on Sri Lanka’s plantation crops, alongside a detailed action plan. The firm emphasizes the urgent need for adaptation measures, including climate-resilient technologies, digital solutions, and innovative farming practices to ensure the country’s agricultural exports remain competitive.

Key argument

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. Sri Lanka’s plantation sector must act now to protect its valuable export crops from unpredictable weather patterns, increased temperature stress, and rising production costs. By adopting smart agriculture techniques, Sri Lanka can mitigate risks, maintain yield, and preserve its position as a global leader in tea, rubber, coconut, and spice exports.

Potential impacts 

The potential impacts of climate change on Sri Lankan plantations: 
1.Temperature stress reducing tea productivity.

2.Unpredictable monsoon cycles affecting water availability.

3.Soil erosion degrading fertility.

4.Disrupted growing seasons lowering quality.

5.Increased pests and diseases due to warmer climates.

6.Reduced quality of tea and spices, affecting export prices.

7.Water scarcity limiting crop growth.

8.Salinization of coastal lands affecting coconut farms.

9.Frequent storms damaging crops and infrastructure.

10. Lower pollinator activity, reducing crop yields.

11.Labor productivity drops due to heat stress.

12.Traditional growing zones may become unsuitable.

13.Increased costs for irrigation systems.

14.Rubber latex yield drops in hotter climates.

15. Drought-induced crop stress.

16.Rising costs of climate adaptation infrastructure.

17.Harvesting times disrupted, affecting exports.

18.New diseases spreading in warmer conditions.

19.Rising competition from other global producers.

20.Rural labor shortages due to climate-induced migration.

Proposed solutions and action plan

Vivonta Green Tech Consultants proposes a 20-step action plan to mitigate these effects and prepare Sri Lanka’s plantation industry for future challenges:

1. Develop climate-resilient crop varieties to withstand temperature and water stress.

2.Implement integrated water management systems like drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting.

3.Promote reforestation and agroforestry to improve soil health and increase carbon sequestration.

4.Adopt soil conservation techniques like terracing and organic mulching.

5.Establish early warning systems for extreme weather and pest outbreaks.

6.Promote sustainable land use policies to reduce deforestation.

7.Enhance shade management in tea plantations to mitigate heat stress.

8.Diversify crops to reduce the financial risk of single-crop failures.

9.Invest in renewable energy for plantation operations.

10.Develop integrated pest and disease management systems.

11.Increase soil moisture retention through organic matter and mulching.

12.Create climate insurance funds to protect farmers from weather-induced losses.

13.Train farmers in climate adaptation techniques and sustainable practices.

14.Optimize fertilizer use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance soil health.

15.Utilize precision agriculture technologies for real-time crop monitoring.

16.Develop carbon sequestration projects for plantations to earn carbon credits.

17.Advocate for government policies focused on agricultural climate adaptation.

18.Strengthen the export value chain through improved logistics and packaging.

19.Foster public-private partnerships to fund climate-resilient infrastructure.

20.Build capacity in research institutions to study climate impacts on specific crops.

KPIs to monitor

To measure the effectiveness of these actions, 20 key performance indicators (KPIs) should be monitored regularly:

1.Crop yield per hectare. 2. Rainfall patterns and intensity. 3. Incidence of pests and diseases. 4. Average soil moisture levels. 5. Temperature changes across plantation regions. 6. Water usage efficiency. 7. Rate of soil erosion. 8. Pollinator population levels. 9. Labor productivity rates. 10. Crop quality and export value. 11. Frequency of extreme weather events. 12. Adoption rate of climate-resilient crop varieties. 13. Percentage of land under sustainable management. 14. Carbon sequestration levels. 15. Incidence of salinity in coastal areas. 16. Irrigation system efficiency. 17. Use of renewable energy sources. 18. Financial impact of climate adaptation investments. 19. Rural labor migration trends. 20. Adoption rate of digital farming tools.

Technology and infrastructure solutions: Vivonta Green Tech Consultants highlights the need for automatic mini weather stations across every 50-acre plantation to monitor real-time data on temperature, rainfall, and humidity. These stations can alert plantation managers to critical weather changes and help optimize irrigation and crop protection measures.

Digital instruments for facing climate challenges

1.Drones for crop health monitoring – Drones equipped with sensors can detect early signs of crop stress, pest infestations, or water shortages.

2.Soil moisture sensors – These sensors can help maintain optimal soil moisture levels and prevent over- or under-irrigation.

3.Satellite imagery – For large plantations, satellite imagery can help monitor vegetation health, detect changes in land use, and measure erosion rates.

4.Automated irrigation systems – Systems that adjust water delivery based on weather data and soil conditions can increase water use efficiency.

5.Weather forecasting apps – Customized weather forecasting for plantations, with early warnings on storms, floods, or droughts, can assist in decision-making.

6.Smart pest traps – Digital traps can monitor pest activity in real-time, reducing the need for pesticide use while protecting crops.

7.Blockchain for supply chain transparency – Blockchain can provide traceability for exports, ensuring product quality and climate-friendly practices are verified.

8.Mobile apps for field data collection – Farmers and plantation managers can track crop growth, labor productivity, and weather data on mobile apps.

By adopting these advanced tools and strategies, Sri Lanka’s plantation sector can effectively mitigate the risks posed by climate change and safeguard the future of its vital agricultural exports.

(The writer is a value chain journalist of www.vivonta.lk, former Senior Planter, Agricultural Advisor/Consultant, Secretary General of Ceylon Planters Society, Editor of Ceylon Planters Society Bulletin and freelance journalist)