Sri Lanka has around 45% of its land dedicated to permanent monocultures such as tea, rubber, and coconut, which are heavily dependent on chemical (inorganic) fertilisers.  In comparison, 22% of arable land is used for food crops, versus the global average of 14%.  There is tremendous potential for backyard food gardening on suitable land using sustainable, cost-effective inputs.  While, at present, both annual food crops and perennials are mostly raised with inorganic fertilisers and harmful pesticides, there is increasing awareness of how the residual effects of these chemicals can harm human health, causing cancers and lowering immunity.

Not only do we produce food with chemical residues, but we also import many items containing harmful chemicals from countries where strict laws are lacking or are not enforced.

How can we control or minimise the harm to future generations?

Clearly, we can’t take drastic measures because a previous government banned chemical fertiliser by decree. We must avoid disrupting the current system. The alternative is to set up a parallel system and educate the public.

Reasons:

1. Food security and sustainable production are vital for a nation’s survival today. Countries like Cuba and Russia have faced pressures on sustainable food production and have advanced through positive interventions.

 2) The health benefits of organic food are clear, along with extra income and control over your food, providing mental well-being as well as physical advantages.

  3) Also aimed indirectly to promote the use of organic fertilisers, animal husbandry, and greening.

There is a tremendous opportunity in the rural agricultural sector (both in the north and the south) to integrate animal husbandry with vegetable and cash crop production (it already happens to a degree). For example, poultry and pig manure are not only excellent sources of nutrients but also reputed soil conditioners successfully used in many countries.  The use of these materials often increases the soil’s capacity to hold more water and is therefore beneficial in drier climates where we experience “drought” year after year.

Using animal manure requires careful handling to prevent water pollution in waterways that supply drinking water. Research and technology development in Australia and other countries have focused on the safe use of manure, whether applied on the surface or into the soil. These methods are easily adaptable to existing conditions in Sri Lanka and should be considered.

  4) Finally, establish a market for organic produce—this could be a cooperative or a private business, depending on the grassroots producers’ preference. A system can be set up using microfinancing.

 It can be implemented across the entire island, beginning with a trial in two districts, one in the north and one in the south.