This report covers both the main Maha and second Yala cropping season of Sri Lanka. The main crops (maize and rice) were in the vegetative stage in January, and were harvested during February and March. The second crops were sown in April. According to the CropWatch monitoring results, crop conditions are assessed as below-average for the monitoring period.

The country experienced the Northeast-Monsoon Season from January to February, followed by the First Inter-monsoon Season during March and April. At the national level, precipitation was higher than the 15YA (△RAIN 2%), the temperature (△TEMP 0.8°C) was also higher, as well as the radiation (RADPAR 3%). The cropland was fully utilized (CALF 100%). BIOMSS decreased by 5% compared to the 15YA. As shown in the NDVI development graph, NDVI was average during January and February, while it was below-average in March and April. The maximum VCI for the whole country was 0.92. The CPI was 0.98, which indicates a close to normal agricultural production situation. However, the long dry spell from late February to late March impacted crop growth, as can be seen in the NDVI development curves.

As shown by the NDVI clustering map and profiles, almost all of the country's cropland showed average to below-average crop conditions during the period. 77.8% of the cropland, distributed throughout the country, showed near average crop conditions in January and February, while it tended to be below-average since March. The remining 23.2% of the cropland, mainly distributed in north central region and eastern coast, showed below-average crop conditions all the time. The maximum VCI showed high values for most of 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 (121), the Intermediate zone (122), and the Wet zone (123).

In the Dry zone, the recorded RAIN (414 mm) was 5% below average. TEMP was 1.1°C above average, RADPAR was also up by 4% . BIOMSS decreased by 6% as compared to the 15YA. CALF was the same as 5YA level with cropland almost fully utilized. NDVI was generally below average. The VCIx for the zone was 0.91. The CPI was 0.97. Overall, crop conditions were assessed as below average for this zone.

The Intermediate zone had a rainfall of 601 mm, which was 7% below average. TEMP was 1.2°C higher compared to the 15YA, and RADPAR increased by 7%. With full use of cropland, BIOMSS was 8% lower than the average. NDVI was near average for the whole country. The VCIx value for this zone was 0.92. The CPI was 0.99.

For the Wet zone, RAIN (865 mm) was 11% above average as compared to the 15YA. TEMP was 0.4°C higher than average, while RADPAR was on average. BIOMSS was 2% below the 15YA and cropland was fully utilized. The VCIx value for this zone was 0.93. The CPI was 1.01. Crop conditions were average for this zone.

Figure 3.27. Sri Lanka crop condition, January – April 2024

(a) Phenology of major crops

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA  (e) NDVI profiles

(f) Rainfall profile

(g) Temperature profile

(h) CPI time series chart

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

(j) 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, January – April 2024

Table 3.46. Sri Lanka agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA/5YA, January – April 2024