Agriculture Sector Work Summary

Farmers and plantation managers depend heavily on weather, climate patterns, and environmental conditions. The specific climate information needed varies across crops and locations. Our work examines climate impacts on rice, coconut, tea, and other agricultural systems, and supports improved prediction and management of crop production.

Below is an organized summary of the key projects undertaken.

1. Impacts of Climate Variability and Change on Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka (2018–2019)

A collaborative initiative by the Federation for Environment, Climate and Technology (FECT) and the University of Peradeniya, funded by Dilmah Conservation Sustainable Agriculture Research Centre (DCSARC).

Objectives:

• Conduct needs assessment and compile knowledge resources (including metadata).
• Analyze climate data relevant to the tea sector.
• Carry out climate diagnostics and evaluate impacts on tea production and yield.
• Identify climate information requirements for tea sector stakeholders.

 

2. Modeling the Impacts of a Variable and Changing Climate on Rice and Sugarcane Agricultural Systems (2012–2016)

Part of the Agricultural Model Intercomparison and Improvement Project (AgMIP), a major global initiative supported by UK DFiD and led by Columbia Climate Center, NASA-GISS, Oregon University, and the University of Florida.

Sri Lankan collaborators:

• Department of Agriculture
• University of Peradeniya
• University of Ruhuna
• Rajarata University
• Sugarcane Research Institute

Project contributions:

• Climate change assessments for agriculture
• Impact assessments for rice and sugarcane
• Climate–crop–economic systems analysis
• Improvements to global food security characterization and climate adaptation planning

 

3. South Asia Strategy Development for CCAFS & Crop Yield Toolkit (2012–2015)

A component of the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS) South Asia program.

Key activities:

• Initial scoping on the use of climate information for agricultural practices with IRI
• Support to the Natural Resources Management Centre (NRMC), Department of Agriculture, to evaluate a crop simulation toolkit for Sri Lanka
• Integration of spatial data: weather, soil, crop management, crop distribution, and crop parameters
• Production of spatial qualitative and quantitative crop assessments

Sri Lankan collaborators:

• NRMC (lead organization)
• Rice Research Development and Training Institute
• University of Peradeniya
• Federation for Environment, Climate and Technology (FECT)

Additional support:

• FECT provided weekly hydrometeorological advisories to the Mahaweli Authority (MASL)
• Sponsored by CCAFS; FECT contributed pro bono

 

4. ENSO Impacts on Cereals in Sri Lanka (2009–2010)

An extension of previous work showing significant climate influences on rice agriculture.

Focus:

• Detailed analysis of rice production, area harvested, and yield by district
• Examination of relationships between ENSO, rainfall, and rice production
• Development of improved tools for seasonal prediction

Funding:

• FAO
• SEARCA (through University of the Philippines)

International study conducted simultaneously in 11 countries:
Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam.  

5. Climate Change and Variability Impacts on Tea and Coconut (2002–2005)

A global prototype project under the AIACC program to apply climate information for climate impact assessment and adaptation.

Sri Lankan collaborators:

• Department of Meteorology (DoM)
• Tea Research Institute (TRI)
• Coconut Research Institute (CRI)
• University of Peradeniya
• International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRI)

Supported by: START (Global Change System for Training, Analysis and Research) Project outcomes:

• Climate analysis and vulnerability assessments
• Development of adaptation strategies
• Capacity building
• Contribution to an operational prediction scheme for coconut production

 

6. Climate Variability and Rice Production in Sri Lanka (1998–2002)

An early foundational study demonstrating the relevance of climate information to rice agriculture and policy.

Findings:

• Significant relationship between ENSO and Sri Lankan rice production
• Evidence supporting the use of seasonal climate predictions for agricultural decision-making

Collaborators:

• Institute of Fundamental Studies (IFS)
• International Research Institute for Climate Prediction (IRI)
• Department of Agriculture

Funding: IFS and IRI