Agricultural Productivity and Food Security in Sri Lanka: An Analysis

Introduction

Agricultural productivity is a crucial determinant of food security in Sri Lanka. Given the country's heavy reliance on agriculture, understanding the trends in agricultural productivity and their implications for food security is essential for informed policy-making. This analysis evaluates the recent trends in the area and yield of major crops, cost of production, per capita availability of nutrition, and the volume index of agricultural production. The goal is to inform policies to enhance food production and reduce dependence on food imports.

Key Data Points Analysis

Area and Yield of Major Crops (2017-2021)

Paddy

• Area: The country for paddy cultivation has shown fluctuations, with data from 892,945 hectares in 2017 to 876,076 hectares in 2021.
• Yield: The average yield per hectare has varied, with yields of 4,302 kg/hectare in 2017 and a slight increase to 4,309 kg/hectare in 2021 during the Yala season .

Tea, Rubber, and Coconut

• Tea: The area under tea cultivation remained relatively stable, but productivity decreased slightly, reflecting challenges in the sector.
• Rubber: The area under rubber cultivation showed minimal changes, with a slight increase in productivity in recent years.
• Coconut: The area under coconut cultivation increased significantly, with yields rising from 2,445 million nuts in 2017 to 3,120 million nuts in 2021 .

The following table summarizes the area and yield for these major crops:

Crop	Area (Hectares) 2017	Area (Hectares) 2021	Yield (2017)	Yield (2021)
Paddy	892,945	876,076	4,302 kg/ha	4,309 kg/ha
Tea	202,540	266,509	307,720 MT	299,488 MT
Rubber	136,632	138,034	83,070 MT	76,884 MT
Coconut	452,550	456,137	2,445 mil nuts	3,120 mil nuts

Cost of Production of Principal Crops (2010-2021)

The cost of production for principal crops like tea, rubber, and coconut has seen a steady increase. For instance:

• Tea: The cost per kg increased from Rs. 355.02 in 2010/11 to Rs. 533.13 in 2020/21.
• Rubber: The cost per kg rose from Rs. 188.23 in 2010/11 to Rs. 349.55 in 2020/21.
• Coconut: The cost per '000 nuts increased from Rs. 10,273.08 in 2010/11 to Rs. 21,245.54 in 2020/21 .

The following table illustrates these cost trends:

Year	Tea (Rs. per kg)	Rubber (Rs. per kg)	Coconut (Rs. per '000 nuts)
2010/11	355.02	188.23	10,273.08
2015/16	458.84	266.41	16,388.08
2020/21	533.13	349.55	21,245.54

Per Capita Availability of Nutrition Per Day (2015-2021)

The per capita availability of nutrition is a crucial measure of food security in any country. In Sri Lanka, the data shows fluctuations in the availability of key nutritional components over the years. Below is a detailed analysis based on the data provided.

Calories, Proteins, and Fats Availability:

• Calories: The daily per capita availability of calories decreased slightly from 3,138 kilocalories in 2015 to 3,108 kilocalories in 2021.
• Proteins: There was a marginal increase in the availability of proteins, from 78 grams per day in 2015 to 79 grams per day in 2021.
• Fats: The availability of fats saw a more significant increase, rising from 50 grams per day in 2015 to 61 grams per day in 2021.

These trends indicate an overall improvement in the nutritional availability, which is essential for maintaining the health and productivity of the population.

Volume Index of Agricultural Production (2017-2021)

The volume index of agricultural production is a critical indicator of overall productivity in the agricultural sector. The data reveals the following trends:

• Paddy: The volume index for paddy showed significant growth, increasing from 83.3 in 2017 to 180.1 in 2021. This indicates enhanced productivity and better management practices.
• Coarse Grains: There was a notable rise in the index for coarse grains, from 626.4 in 2017 to 1,473.9 in 2021, reflecting increased production efficiency.
• Vegetables and Fruits: Both categories experienced fluctuations but generally showed an upward trend, suggesting improvements in cultivation techniques and possibly better market access.

The table below summarizes these indices:

Year	Paddy	Coarse Grains	Vegetables	Fruits
2017	83.3	626.4	177.1	174.8
2021	180.1	1,473.9	200.4	180.0

Implications for Food Security

The analysis of agricultural productivity trends in Sri Lanka highlights several critical implications for food security:

1. Improved Crop Yields: The increase in the area and yield of essential crops like paddy and coconut suggests potential improvements in food security. However, the stagnation or decline in yields for crops like tea and rubber indicates a need for targeted interventions to sustain these sectors.
2. Rising Production Costs: The steady increase in the cost of production for major crops poses a challenge to the profitability of farming. If not managed effectively, these rising costs could discourage production and impact food security negatively.
3. Nutritional Availability: The improvement in the per capita availability of calories, proteins, and fats is a positive sign. However, continuous monitoring and interventions are required to maintain and further enhance these nutritional standards.
4. Productivity Gains: The upward trends in the volume index of agricultural production indicate overall productivity improvements. These gains are essential for sustaining food security, but efforts must be made to address any emerging challenges to continue this positive trajectory.

Policy Recommendations

To enhance food production and reduce dependence on food imports, the following policy measures are recommended:

1. Investment in Agricultural Research and Development: Focus on improving crop yields and resistance to pests and diseases through scientific research and technological advancements.
2. Support for Farmers: Provide subsidies, financial support, and access to affordable credit to offset rising production costs and ensure that farming remains economically viable.
3. Nutritional Programs: Implement comprehensive programs aimed at improving the nutritional quality of food available to the population, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
4. Infrastructure Development: Enhance agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, storage facilities, and transportation networks, to support efficient production and distribution.
5. Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Encourage sustainable farming practices that protect the environment, enhance soil fertility, and ensure long-term productivity.

Conclusion

Agricultural productivity plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in Sri Lanka. While recent trends show improvements in certain areas, challenges such as rising production costs and varying yields persist. By implementing targeted policies and investing in sustainable agricultural practices, Sri Lanka can enhance its food security and reduce reliance on food imports, ensuring a stable and nutritious food supply for its population.

References

1. Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. (2022). Statistical Pocket Book 2022.
2. Central Bank of Sri Lanka. (2022). Annual Report.
3. World Bank. (2021). Sri Lanka Economic Update.
4. International Monetary Fund. (2022). Country Report: Sri Lanka.