A vital pillar of Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape, the coconut industry, faces a stark reality: a staggering 400 million-nut decline in harvest compared to last year.

Data from the Sri Lanka Coconut Research Institute (SLCRI) paints a worrying picture. 

The 2022 harvest yielded 3,350 million coconuts, a figure that has shrunk to a mere 2,950 million in 2023. 

This 12% drop represents a significant setback for the island nation, where coconut is woven into the fabric of its economy and culture.

Dr. Nayani Arachchige, Deputy Director of the SLCRI, pinpoints the culprit: a two-year fertilizer shortage that has crippled coconut cultivation.

Without adequate nourishment, these tropical giants struggle to produce their bounty, impacting not only the livelihoods of farmers but also downstream industries that rely on coconut derivatives.

The SLCRI urges farmers to prioritize proper fertilization practices for their coconut plantations. 

This proactive approach, they warn, is essential to prevent further decline in yield, with the first half of 2024 potentially mirroring the current situation.