Sri Lanka’s Shift to Organic Farming Drops Crop Yields
Sri Lanka’s sudden switch to organic farming in 2021 caused major drops in crop yields. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s election promise led to a ban on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This forced 2 million farmers to adopt organic methods, resulting in a 20% fall in rice production.
The ban also hit tea crops hard, Sri Lanka’s main export. Within six months, domestic rice prices jumped by 50%. The country had to import $450 million worth of rice to make up for lost production.
The fertilizer ban’s impact was severe. Tea production losses alone cost the economy $425 million. This further strained Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange reserves and worsened the country’s economic crisis.
The government tried to help farmers with $200 million in direct compensation. They also gave $149 million in price subsidies to rice farmers. But these efforts weren’t enough to offset the negative effects of the sudden change.
The organic farming shift contributed to rising inflation and currency depreciation. It also increased poverty in the country. Critics say the government didn’t include agricultural experts in planning the change.
There was no gradual transition plan, which made things harder for farmers. The new policy not only hurt crop production but also threatened food security for Sri Lanka’s people.
Sri Lanka’s Abrupt Transition to Organic Farming
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s government banned synthetic fertilizer and pesticide imports in April 2021. This move was part of his organic agriculture pledge from the 2019 election campaign. The decision aimed to save foreign exchange and promote organic farming in Sri Lanka.
The policy was implemented without input from leading agricultural experts. Instead, it relied on representatives from the small organic sector and alternative agriculture advocates. This exclusion of agronomists led to widespread criticism of agricultural policy mismanagement.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s Election Promise
During his 2019 campaign, President Rajapaksa promised a 10-year transition to organic farming. This pledge received mixed reactions. Sri Lanka had long relied on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for crop yields.
Nationwide Ban on Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides
The government suddenly banned synthetic fertilizer and pesticide imports in April 2021. This abrupt change left farmers struggling to adapt to organic methods. It led to significant drops in crop yields and food shortages.
The decision to cut fertilizer subsidies made the situation worse for farmers. They faced many challenges during this rapid transition to organic farming.
Exclusion of Agricultural Experts in Policy Implementation
The government’s approach to implementing the organic farming policy faced heavy criticism. Leading agricultural experts and agronomists were left out of the decision-making process. Instead, the policy relied on input from the small organic sector and alternative agriculture advocates.
Many of these supporters were linked to the Viyathmaga civil society movement. This group had backed President Rajapaksa’s election campaign.
Economic and Agricultural Consequences
Sri Lanka’s sudden shift to organic farming caused major drops in crop yields. Rice production fell by 20% within six months of banning synthetic fertilizers. This forced the country to import $450 million worth of rice.
Domestic rice prices jumped by 50%. Food inflation hit 94% in August. As a result, 28% of the population faced food insecurity.
The tea industry, crucial for exports, also took a hit. Tea output decreased by 18% after the ban. This led to lower export earnings.
Other export crops like rubber, coconut, and spices suffered too. This affected household incomes and export revenues.
Farmers struggled due to insufficient organic fertilizer production. The government couldn’t produce enough to replace imported fertilizers. This made it hard for farmers to maintain crop yields.
Protests and economic instability forced the government to partially reverse the policy. They did this for key export crops by November 2021.
The failed policy led to reduced crop yields and tea export losses. It also increased food insecurity in Sri Lanka. The government had to compensate farmers and reverse the fertilizer policy.
Experts suggest a gradual shift to organic farming. This approach should include proper support and training for farmers. It would help minimize impacts on crop yields and food security.