Sri Lanka's Cabinet has approved a special program to rehabilitate coconut lands and boost productivity among small-scale farmers, with plans to cover approximately 85,000 acres over three years.
The government has initiated a targeted rehabilitation program designed to enhance coconut production across the country while building resilience against anticipated climate challenges. According to The Island, the initiative aims to address declining productivity in coconut cultivation and introduce more sustainable farming practices to meet domestic demand.
The program specifically targets small-scale coconut growers who own five acres or less, providing financial incentives covering up to 65 percent of expenses for approved improvement activities. The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized support for three main interventions: mulching with fertilizer and dolomite at Rs. 700 per tree, mulching with dolomite alone at Rs. 200 per tree, and water supply infrastructure at Rs. 50,000 per acre.
The initiative is scheduled to operate over three consecutive years and is projected to encompass approximately 85,000 acres of coconut land by 2026. Officials have emphasized the program's importance in protecting coconut cultivation from predicted El Niño conditions expected in the coming months, which could pose significant risks to agricultural output during that period.
The focus on small-scale farmers reflects recognition of their role in Sri Lanka's coconut sector, with the incentive structure designed to make productivity improvements financially accessible to landowners with limited resources. The combination of soil enhancement, irrigation support, and government subsidies aims to create sustainable improvements in coconut farming practices across the country.
