This report covers the second cropping season (Yala) of Sri Lanka. The sowing of second season crops (maize and wheat) took place between April and May. During the monitoring period, the country’s political and economic situation gradually fell into turmoil and economic crisis. According to the CropWatch monitoring results, crop conditions were assessed as below average for the monitoring period.

The proportion of irrigated cropland in Sri Lanka is 41% and agro-meteorological conditions play an important role in the growth of more than half of the crops.

During this period, the country experienced the Southwest-Monsoon Season, during which the island typically experiences rainy and cold weather. At the national level, precipitation was markedly above the 15YA (RAIN +15%), while temperature (TEMP -0.2℃) and radiation (RADPAR -3%) were slightly below the average. The increase of rainfall in early April ensured sufficient water supply for the sowing of crops. The fraction of cropped arable land (CALF) increased by 1% and BIOMSS was up by 4% compared to the 15YA. As shown in the NDVI development graph, NDVI was average in April and turned to below average after that. The maximum VCI for the whole country was 0.92.

As shown by the NDVI clustering map and profiles, more than half of country's cropland showed close to average crop conditions. These croplands were mainly located in the east, but there were also some clustered areas in the west. The ban on the use of chemical fertilizer in Sri Lanka  continued to negatively influence the crop conditions. The abnormal NDVI departure values during May to July were mainly caused by cloud cover in the satellite images. The maximum VCI showed high values almost all over the country.

Regional analysis

Based on the cropping system, climatic zones and topographic conditions, three sub-national agroecological regions can be distinguished for Sri Lanka. They are the Dry zone, the Wet zone, and the Intermediate zone.

In the Dry zone, the recorded RAIN (465 mm) was 7% above average. TEMP was 0.1℃ above average and RADPAR was near average. BIOMSS increased by 8% as compared to the 15YA. CALF was up by 2% as compared to the 5YA level with 99% of cropland utilized. NDVI was similar to that of the whole country. The VCIx for the zone was 0.95. Overall, crop conditions were below average for this zone.

For the Wet zone, RAIN (2372 mm) was 21% above average as compared to the 15YA. TEMP and RADPAR decreased by 0.7℃ and 5% respectively. BIOMSS was 2% below the 15YA and cropland was fully utilized. NDVI values showed apparent deviation from average in May and June. The VCIx value for the zone was 0.95. Crop conditions were below average for this zone.

The Intermediate zone also experienced sufficient rain (1023 mm) with a 5% increase from the 15YA. TEMP was 0.2℃ above average and RADPAR was 2% below average compared to the 15YA. With full use of cropland, BIOMSS was comparable to the average. The NDVI values were similar to the Dry zone and the VCIx value for this zone was 0.94. Conditions of the crops were below average.

Figure 3.27. Sri Lanka crop condition, April – July 2022

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c) Rainfall profile

(d) Temperature profile

(e) Maximum VCI

(f) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA  (g) NDVI profiles

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Dry zone (left) and Wet zone (right))

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Intermediate zone)

Table 3.45. Sri Lanka agroclimatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, April – July 2022

Table 3.46. Sri Lanka agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA/5YA, April – July 2022