Nestlé promotes regenerative agricultural practices in coconut value chain via Coconut Development Plan

From left: Coconut farmers with Nestlé Lanka Director Supply Chain Kanchana Fernando, Director Corporate Affairs and Communications Ruwan Welikala, Nestlé Lanka Managing Director Bernhard Stefan, Coconut Cultivation Board Deputy General Manager Susantha Jayalath, Coconut Cultivation Board Training Centre Assistant General Manager Kapila Hettiarachchi, Coconut Cultivation Board Training Centre Administration Manager Rohana Sarathchandra and Nestlé and CCB officials 

•  Partners with Coconut Cultivation Board of Sri Lanka

As part of the Nestlé Coconut Development Plan – the ‘Good Food Good Life’ company partnered with the Coconut Cultivation Board of Sri Lanka (CCB) to conduct a two-day training programme for coconut farmers. 
Conducted at the CCB’s Coconut Development Training Centre in Lunuwila, the programme was focused on educating the coconut farmers on the implementation of regenerative agriculture practices in their farms, benefiting the farmers in improving coconut yield whilst conserving natural resources such as soil and water.

Sharing his thoughts on the programme, CCB Deputy General Manager Extension and Development Susantha Jayalath said, “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude as we expand the Nestlé Coconut Development Plan, supporting the local coconut farmers uplift their livelihood and contribute to maintaining a greener ecosystem through the implementation of regenerative agriculture in their farming practices. This initiative acts as an ideal platform for knowledge sharing, helping the coconut farmers in Sri Lanka improve cultivation techniques, address challenges and explore new avenues for coconut cultivation, which are also sustainable for the environment.”

“Our long-running coconut development programme stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to improve coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. As the largest exporters of coconut milk powder in the country, I am proud to be able to extend this initiative to support the farmers that supply coconut to us for our operations. Implementing regenerative agricultural practices in our coconut value chain is an active part of our efforts towards reaching net zero by 2050. Together with the CCB, this initiative is a significant step towards harnessing the full potential of this invaluable crop through the adoption of best practices, which are not only beneficial for coconut cultivation but also for the environment,” said Nestlé Lanka Managing Director Bernhard Stefan.  

Nestlé has operated in Sri Lanka for over 115 years. The company supports the livelihoods of more than 8,000 medium and large-scale coconut farmers through procurement, in addition to home-growers benefited through the Coconut Development Plan, contributing billions to the local coconut industry.