Dr. Madhuri Nanda stresses the significance of climate smart and regenerative agriculture in Sri Lanka

Dr. Madhuri Nanda
Director South Asia – Rainforest Alliance

As climate change continues to manifest its impacts worldwide, Sri Lanka finds itself particularly vulnerable with smallholder farmers facing daunting challenges,” states Director for South Asia of Rainforest Alliance Dr. Madhuri Nanda.

Unpredictable weather patterns, shorter growing seasons, and increased exposure to pests and diseases threaten livelihoods and food security. In response, initiatives promoting regenerative and climate smart agriculture (CSA) have emerged as crucial pathways to ensure farming sustainability.

“Climate smart agriculture isn’t a stand-alone concept; but rather, a synthesis of various sustainable methods tailored to address climatic challenges,” explains Nanda.

In Sri Lanka, CSA principles focus on enhancing productivity, resilience and sustainability – with tailored techniques such as cover cropping and mulching in drought prone areas, and trenching and vegetation barriers in flood ridden regions.

The overarching goals of CSA programmes are outlined as enhancing farmer livelihoods, strengthening resilience against climate impacts and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting sustainable crop, soil and pest management practices, CSA contributes not only to agricultural viability but also environmental stewardship.

As regards regenerative agriculture, Nanda explains its holistic approach to ecosystem regeneration, emphasising soil health, biodiversity and carbon sequestration. In Sri Lanka, initiatives prioritise agro-ecology and integrated systems management to foster biodiversity, resilience and livelihoods.

Key practices include soil health assessments, organic matter enhancement, and water management techniques such as composting and mulching, alongside efforts to promote agro-forestry and wildlife conservation.

Nanda notes that by avoiding deforestation and integrating trees into farming landscapes, farmers enhance soil fertility, diversify income streams and mitigate climate change impacts. Additionally, natural pest and weed management reduces input costs and environmental pollution.

“Businesses can motivate adoption through financial support while policy makers can facilitate training and create enabling environments. Consumer demand for sustainably sourced products can drive market transformation, fostering a more sustainable agricultural sector,” Nanda affirms.

Successful implementations of CSA and regenerative agriculture in Sri Lanka offer valuable insights. Initiatives such as herbicide-free weed management in tea cultivation demonstrate the potential for improved yields, cost savings and environmental conservation, according to Nanda.

She asserts: “Individuals seeking to promote sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka can contribute significantly by driving consumer demand for sustainably sourced commodities. By supporting certification programmes and raising awareness, consumers catalyse market transformation towards regenerative and climate smart practices.”

“The journey towards sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. By embracing climate smart and regenerative practices, the nation can build resilient farming communities, mitigate climate risks and safeguard its agricultural heritage for future generations,” Nanda concludes.