Speaker
Description
The coconut cultivation is one of the most important sector of Sri Lanka’s plantation agriculture; however, it is currently challenged by a shortage of skilled coconut pluckers. This study investigates how the shortage of skilled labour influences coconut prices, market availability, cultivation practices, and overall production in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was adopted under the interpretivist paradigm, with the Kurunegala District selected as the study area due to its location within the country’s major coconut-growing region known as the “coconut triangle”. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with 30 coconut cultivators, and the responses were analysed using thematic analysis to identify key trends and relationships. The findings conclude that the shortage of skilled coconut pluckers has resulted in increased labour costs, prolonged harvesting intervals, and reduced harvesting efficiency, leading to a decline in productivity. These challenges have directly affected coconut price stability and market supply. Cultivators reported that the use of unskilled or inexperienced workers often causes premature harvesting and damage to coconut palms, which further reduces nut quality and yield. Although mechanized harvesting tools have the potential to reduce labour dependency, their adoption remains limited due to high initial costs, inadequate technical knowledge, and mistrust among farmers. As a short-term coping strategy, some cultivators have adopted low-cost alternative methods such as rope-plucking. The study concludes that addressing the shortage of skilled coconut pluckers requires integrated interventions, including targeted training programmes, increased youth participation in plantation agriculture, and the promotion of affordable and farmer-friendly mechanisation options. The findings give valuable insights for policymakers, extension services, and industry stakeholders aiming to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s coconut industry.
Keywords: coconut industry, labour shortage, mechanisation, skilled coconut pluckers, youth engagement
