A strategy to enhance the contribution of the plantation sector to the national economy is to increase productivity through good agricultural practices and expanding the extent which is decreasing, said Emeritus Professor in Plantation Management at Wayamba University, Asoka Nugawela.
“If we can identify suitable land to expand our cultivation, that can enhance the contribution of the industry to the national economy,” he said. Professor Nugawela was addressing a webinar organised by the CEMBA-CEMPA Alumni Association, Sri Lanka of the Open University of Sri Lanka.
Dean Faculty of Management Studies, Prof. V. Sivalogathasan was the chief guest. CEMBA-CEMPA Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer Dr Champika Liyanagamage was the guest of honour. Industry experts, faculty members and students were also present.
This webinar was the fourth event of an ongoing knowledge sharing series.
“We as alumni believe that conducting these programs is a giveaway to the country out of the knowledge that we have gained while at the university,” said CEMBA-CEMPA Alumni Association, SL President Indraka Liyanage.
The event falls in line with the University’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) initiative, providing individuals with essential skills to progress in their careers.
Selected by the committee as a timely topic to discuss, the contributions of the plantation sector to the economy was debated, as agriculture has proved to be one of the sectors with a positive outlook. However, it was also noted that the industry was one that is subject to a number of deliberations due to the challenges faced by the community that partakes in plantation activities.
Key presenter at the webinar, summarising the history of the plantation sector in Sri Lanka, elaborated on the management of the industry in the country.
He said that the level of productivity of all major plantation crops currently planted is rather low when compared to the potential. By enhancing land productivity through ethical agricultural practices, a reduction in cost of production can be expected, profiting producers as well.
According to findings of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, rubber can be introduced into non-traditional areas where the tree productivity can be increased by having higher number of tapping days when compared to wet zone areas and therefore, growers and investors should be encouraged to do it.
“The shortage of skilled people to manage the plantations was another issue identified which contributes to the poor overall performance of the plantation sector,” he said.
He also discussed crop diversification as a major strategy to enhance the contribution of the plantation sector to the national economy whilst benefiting investors.