Extreme heat worsens coconut shortage in Sri Lanka

The high temperatures experienced during the first three months of this year have worsened Sri Lanka’s ongoing coconut shortage, alongside the increasing population of toque macaques, Head of the Department of Crop Science at the Ruhuna University and Senior Lecturer Professor K.K.I.U. Arunakumara said.  

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Professor Arunakumara revealed that the number of coconut plants cultivated annually in Sri Lanka has dropped to just seven million.  

Globally, 92 countries produce coconuts, with Sri Lanka ranking fourth. However, nations like India and the Philippines produce significantly larger quantities.  

“A report by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research indicated that higher temperatures from March to June negatively impacted coconut harvests. In Sri Lanka, the ideal temperature for coconut trees is around 27–28°C. When temperatures exceed 33°C, coconut pollination declines, leading to reduced yields,” he said.

Professor Arunakumara noted that Sri Lanka faces similar challenges as India due to high temperatures, which have reduced coconut harvests in both countries.  

“We also need to examine whether the populations of toque macaques and giant squirrels have increased suddenly. Evidence suggests that their numbers have been steadily growing over time,” he said.  

“About 10% of the country’s coconut harvest is destroyed by toque macaques, giant squirrels and other pests, with toque macaques causing the most damage as they lack natural predators to control their population,” he added.  

The professor stressed the importance of balancing animal populations.

“When humans interfere with nature, they must also control other animal populations to maintain the balance. This practice is followed in other countries as well,” he added. 

He also highlighted that in 2020 and 2021, only one-fourth of the number of coconut trees planted in 2012 were cultivated. Over the past 25 years, there has been no increase in the land area dedicated to coconut plantations, which remains at 1.1 million hectares. Various factors have contributed to the reduction of plantation areas, leading to the current shortage.  

“The current coconut shortage is not a sudden issue but a result of developments over the past 25 years. With improved rainfall in the future, the shortage may ease to some extent. However, government intervention is needed to increase yields by providing adequate fertiliser,” he noted.  

To address future shortages, the professor outlined several measures:  
- Controlling pest populations, including toque macaques and squirrels.  
- Increasing coconut yields through better cultivation practices.  
- Boosting the planting of new coconut trees to meet future demand.  

“Short-term measures to manage animal populations and long-term efforts to expand coconut cultivation are essential for addressing this issue,” Professor Arunakumara concluded.