Independent Dialogue
Geographical focus:
Sri Lanka
Area of divergence
Divergent views were observed where those advocating for some level of chemical inputs for agriculture noted that given the food demand of the future, the approach would need to be a balanced one, where integrated approaches need to be taken forward (such as integrated plant nutrient systems and integrated pest management) with chemical inputs (more advanced slow release versions - 2nd and 3rd generation fertlizer) being supplemented with soil organic matter. The need to promote Sri Lanka Good Agricultural Practices (SLGAP) was seen as a more pragmatic solution than attempting to go completely
... Read more chemical free. The other school of thought was that it is possible to transform agriculture system to be completely chemical free and given the perilous state we are in with the planetary boundaries being crossed (especially due to the chemical based monoculture farming practices), priority should be towards food safety and restoring of ecosystems, since it is clear that the chemical systems are increasingly becoming unsustainable. The need to be bold and innovative in tackling this issue was highlighted. Some expressed the opinion that much of the small holder farmers in Sri Lanka were part time farmers, where they were also engaged in other livelihoods to supplement their income. They argued that techniques like zero budget natural farming that require more labour intensive practices, will carry externalities that need to be factored in. Everyone agreed that the use of technology could to a large degree avoid the need for chemical inputs. However, mainstreaming such technologies, where there is large digital divide and access to finance was seen to be a challenge that needed to be overcome. The need for more research on the balance between organic and inorganic food systems was highlighted. Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Finance, Governance, Innovation, Trade-offs