Preserving Sri Lanka's Rich Agricultural Heritage Through Evidence-Based Practices

Sri Lanka boasts of a 2500-year-old agricultural heritage, which is a source of pride for its people. This knowledge was not born in laboratories but was developed through time-tested practices and a structured approach. However, the scientific method of research has led to further advancements in agriculture by improving sample sizes, methodologies, technology, and other factors.

The adoption of sustainable agricultural practices has become crucial, given the threat of climate change and the need to preserve natural resources. In this regard, the western agri technology has been found to be unsustainable and exploitative, with most of these systems forcing nature to deliver. On the other hand, the eastern Agri technology has been found to have more sustainable systems.

It is surprising that nutritionists are made silent in the process, given that most western systems are continuing to engage in the process under the sustainable label. The same thing is happening in the medical field, which has become the most profiteering business in the world.

To address this issue, it is imperative that professionals in the field agree to separate the two knowledge domains: the western and the eastern. This agreement can deliver synergistic outcomes if both domains agree to move forward with an evidence-based agri approach. The Beijing declaration for evidence-based medicine proposed this in 2008, but it was screwed up by the western drug mafia due to power politics.

The real problem is not whether organic or inorganic agriculture is used but the strategy used to prevent soil erosion. It is necessary to give up monocropping and adopt a multi-cropping system that is favorable to retain groundwater before succumbing to the warnings of climate change.

In Sri Lanka, we hold utmost respect for our university professors, teachers, other academics, and state/private sector agriculturalists, who have contributed significantly to the development of our agriculture sector. We acknowledge their dedication and hard work, and we are grateful for their contributions.

As a nation, we have to take pride in our rich agricultural heritage and protect it from the negative influence of unsustainable western agricultural practices. The evidence-based approach proposed here will enable us to improve our agricultural practices further and preserve our natural resources for future generations.

In conclusion, Sri Lanka has a proud agricultural heritage that must be preserved for future generations. The adoption of an evidence-based approach that separates the western and eastern domains will allow us to improve our agricultural practices further and mitigate the impact of climate change. We salute our learned professionals and call upon them to lead the way in adopting sustainable practices that will benefit Sri Lanka and the world at large.

Lalin I De Silva is a former Senior Planter, Agricultural Adviser / Consultant, former Secretary General of Ceylon Planters Society, Editor CPS Bulletin and free lance Journalist.