Southern oil palm areas challenge environmental myths

Observations from oil palm cultivation areas in Sri Lanka’s Southern Region have highlighted the need to distinguish environmental facts from longstanding misconceptions surrounding the crop, according to the Palm Oil Industry Association of Sri Lanka (POIA).

Public discussion often portrays oil palm cultivation as inevitably resulting in bare and infertile land, preventing other vegetation from growing, depleting nearby water sources and damaging biodiversity.

However, conditions observed across established cultivation areas in the Southern Region present a more positive and site-specific environmental picture, POIA said.

Ground cover and vegetation

Significant ground cover and understorey vegetation were observed beneath cultivated palms. When properly managed, such vegetation can help protect soil from direct rainfall, reduce erosion and surface runoff, retain moisture and support natural biological activity.

Areas of underplanting and compatible intercrops were also observed, demonstrating that suitable vegetation can coexist with oil palm depending on factors such as shade, soil conditions, terrain and the age of the palms.

Water resources and responsible management

Clean water resources were observed within, alongside and beyond cultivation areas. Their continued presence challenges the blanket claim that oil palm cultivation automatically causes surrounding wells and streams to dry up.

However, responsible cultivation requires protection of natural drainage systems, buffer zones along waterways, careful management of fertiliser and agrochemical use, and continuous monitoring of water quality and availability.

Well-managed cover crops within oil palm systems can provide valuable organic biomass, supporting soil organic matter, nutrient cycling and overall soil fertility. It was also observed that surrounding communities continue to rely on water sources located within the plantation landscape for domestic needs.

Biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems

The ecological value of plantation landscapes is also reflected in earlier freshwater research conducted at the Nakiyadeniya and Homadola estates.

POIA said responsible plantation management requires clear operating standards, regular monitoring and continuous improvement.

Importance of scientific evidence

Commenting on the observations, Yajith de Silva, Chief Operating Officer of POIA, said environmental concerns surrounding any plantation crop must be taken seriously, but conclusions should be based on scientific evidence, site-specific conditions and actual land-management practices.

“The understorey vegetation, compatible crops, functioning water resources and biodiversity observed in the Southern Region demonstrate why broad assumptions cannot replace proper environmental assessment,” he said.

Sri Lanka’s local context

Sri Lanka’s oil palm sector operates within longstanding agricultural and plantation landscapes, making the local context different from overseas cases involving large-scale clearing of virgin forests.

Oil palm also has an important economic role in Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape.

Responsible cultivation and the way forward

POIA maintains that responsible oil palm cultivation must be supported by appropriate land selection, soil and water management, biodiversity protection, transparent monitoring and effective regulation.

The association said it welcomes transparent scrutiny and believes decisions on oil palm should be guided by credible data, scientific assessment and a commitment to continuous improvement rather than myths or generalisations.