Agricultural Situation:
Paddy occupies the largest area in Sri Lanka compared to all other individual crops. Paddy and plantation crops (tea, rubber, coconut) together occupy more than 67 percent of all agricultural holdings (1.36 million hectares) (Table 1).
Table 1: Land Utilization Statistics of Sri Lanka
Source: Statistical Pocket Book of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka - 1998
According to fertilizer industry sources, there has been a severe imbalance in NPK consumption in paddy due to increased nitrogen use from 1995-1999 while phosphorus decreased and potassium consumption was almost stagnant (Chart). Most likely great potential for increased crop production and farmer profit through balanced fertilizer use exist in Sri Lanka.
Source: CIC Agri Business, Sri Lanka
Initiatives in Sri Lanka:
PPI/PPIC has initiated programmes in Sri Lanka during 1999. The strategy was to work with researchers at the University of Peradeniya to identify nutrient problems and formulate effective research and educational programmes. Through cooperation between research organizations, government institutes, fertilizer industry we have worked with farming community by helping them increase crop yields. Organizing on-farm trials, demonstrations through the knowledge of soil testing, farmers' and dealers' training programmes were proved to be very effective means of communication to impart new knowledge.
Research:
PPI/PPIC in cooperation with University of Peradeniya, has initiated several research programs on various crops.
- Laboratory and Greenhouse Nutrient Survey to Identify Nutrient Deficiencies in Major Agricultural Soils of Sri Lanka (SRI LANKA -01)
- Testing Fertilizer Recommendations based on Systematic Approach of Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies for Short-term Crops in Sri Lanka (SRI LANKA-02)
- Testing Fertilizer Recommendations Based on a Systematic Approach of Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies for Lowland Rice in Sri Lanka (SRI LANKA-03)
- Testing and Refining Fertilizer Recommendation based on a Systematic Approach of Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies for Papaya in Sri Lanka (SRI LANKA-04)
- Refining Fertilizer Recommendation Based on a Systematic Approach of Diagnosing Nutrient Deficiencies for Coconut in Sri Lanka (SRI LANKA-05)
- Additionally, experiments on tea with the cooperation of tea plantations and fertilizer industry and research stations were also organized.
- Several on-farm trials on cashew, ginger, pineapple, banana, onion etc., were also organized in farmer fields in collaboration with industry and researchers.
 
Photos: Identifying nutrient deficiency disorders in the soils of Sri Lanka through systematic approach of soil fertility evaluation
 
  
Photos: Field research on various crops
Education:
(i) Workshops:
Workshop on Systematic Approach to Soil Fertility Evaluation and Improvement in Sri Lanka
The workshop was held during 26-31 August, 2002. This was organized jointly by the Board of Study in Soil Science, Post-graduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya; Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka; CIC and PPI/PPIC.
 
Photos: Delegates of the workshop and a lab activity
Workshop on Use of Phosphorus and Potassium in Sri Lankan Agriculture
The workshop was organized during July 10-11, 2003 at University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. This was jointly organized by the Board of Study in Soil Science of University of Peradeniya, Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka and PPI/PPIC.
 
Photos: Inaugural session and delegates of the workshop
The idea was to discuss various issues and concerns related to P and K use in various crops and cropping systems including plantation crops. Delegates from industry, Government, plantation sector, University scientists, extension specialists have participated. Several issues were deliberated and specific recommendations were represented to Government and policy makers.
(ii) Training: Few training programmes for farmers and input dealers were also organized to impart current knowledge to them.
(iii) Publications: Our publications such as “Better Crops with Plant Food” regularly reach key people of Sri Lanka. Often we send publications based on individual requests. Our web-site is updated with information based on the activities.
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