Agriculture In Sri Lanka
· Sri Lanka has a rich agricultural history
dating back more than 2500 years.
· Agriculture is an important part of the
Sri Lankan economy, engaging one-third of the working population
· For centuries, paddy cultivation in the
island nation was not just an economic activity but a way of life that shaped
the society, culture, religion and economy.
· The sustainable and organic agricultural
practices of both the near past and the ancient people of Sri Lanka, exemplify
the interconnectedness of nature and human life.
· Furthermore, it demonstrates our ability to
survive and thrive harmoniously alongside nature.
Traditional methods of agriculture
These are some of the agricultural
practices of traditional farmers, as well as the ancient, complex agricultural
systems that are still in use today.
Irrigation Tanks (Vewa)
Chena Cultivation Ploughing (Nagula)
Modern Agricultural Practices
·
The global food industry has gone through many changes in
the last few millennia; from the first recorded domestication of rice in China
around 6200BC.
·
Not only have the
farming methods changed, but the seeds themselves have evolved over time to
increase yield and, through the use of hybridization and Genetic Modification,
become more resistant to natural pests and diseases.
·
Today’s agricultural industry is highly matured but still
very innovative
Tea Plantation
·
As an attempt to recuperate the losses caused by the
downfall of coffee plantation , tea was planted in Sri Lanka as an experimental
crop.
·
The humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall in the country's
central highlands provide a climate that favors the production of high quality
tea
·
The major tea growing areas are Kandy and Nuwara Eliya in
Central Province, Badulla, Bandarawela and Haputale in Uva Province, Galle,
Matara and Mulkirigala in Southern Province, and Ratnapura and Kegalle in
Sabaragamuwa Province.
Fruits and Vegetables
·
Around eighty different varieties of fruits and
vegetables are grown in Sri Lanka.
·
The cool and salubrious climatic conditions in the hill
country are ideal for temperate crops such as carrot, leek, cabbage,
cauliflower, salad leaves, beet, bean, bell pepper, and salad cucumber.
·
The well-demarcated low country and dry wet areas are
suitable for a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables ranging from green
chilli, red onion, pumpkin, bitter gourd, melon, sweet and sour banana types,
queen pineapple, papaya, mango, lemon and gherkins.
·
Special flavored Sri Lankan fruits : pineapple, mangosteen, ripe jak, avocado,
rambutan, starfruit and anoda.
Sri Lankan Spices
·
Sri Lanka is very famous for the spices grown and
exported.
·
Sri Lanka’s most famous export, cinnamon is the island’s
premier spice export. Black pepper 2nd largest export spice in Sri Lanka.
·
Sri Lankan spices :
1. Curry Leaves
2. Turmeric
3. Clove
4. Cinnamon
5. Pepper
6. Cardamom
7.
Lemongrass and Citronella
8.
Nutmeg and Mace
9. Vanila
10. Ginger
Gardening
·
Gardening is the practice of growing and cultivating
plants as part of horticulture. In gardens, ornamental plants are often grown
for their flowers, foliage, or overall appearance; useful plants, such as root
vegetables, leaf vegetables, fruits, and herbs, are grown for consumption, for
use as dyes, or for medicinal or cosmetic use.
·
Gardening is considered by many people to be a relaxing
activity. There are also many studies about the positive effects on mental and
physical health in relation to gardening.
Home Gardening
People from all over the world started to
gain intrest in "Home Gardening", specially in the midst of the Covid
- 19 pandemic.
We spent our leisure time effectively , we
were able to save some money as we were all facing a hard time and most
importantly we spent quality time with our families through gardening.
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