Dole Lanka, is a fully owned subsidiary of ITOCHU Corporation of Japan through Dole Asia Holdings (Pvt) Ltd in Singapore, the world’s leading producer and marketer of premium fresh fruits and vegetables. Incorporated in 2005 as a BOI-registered company, Dole Lanka is dedicated to regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices. This commitment is underscored by Tarindu Haputhanthri, Head of Research and Sustainability, and Dillkusi Jayaweera, Head of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Dole Lanka. The company specializes in Cavendish banana production for export, operating across several agricultural farms located in Buttala, Demodara, Embilipitiya, Kuda Oya, and Mahiyanganaya, an extent of 747 hectares. Dole Lanka exports approximately 17000 tons of bananas annually and provides employment opportunities to around 1700 people, reflecting Dole Lanka’s significant presence in the agricultural sector.
Can you elaborate on Dole Lanka’s regenerative agricultural practices and how they contribute to sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka?
We aim to transform our banana farms from conventional to regenerative agriculture, focusing on enriching soil biology for optimal plant growth. This transition includes reducing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, guided by our research and development insights. A major achievement in this direction was ending herbicide use in 2017, leading to successful herbicide-free farming under the Chena Project.
Our approach centres on producing biologically rich compost and vermicompost, prioritizing beneficial organisms over just nutrient content. This bio-complete compost supports nutrient cycling and disease prevention in our soils. We also produce compost tea, a brew of beneficial organisms, to enhance soil health by improving the decomposition of crop residues and green manure, thus boosting soil carbon storage.
Investing in a microbiological lab and planning an advanced composting facility are steps towards our regenerative agriculture goals. By collaborating with global experts, we’re creating sustainable agricultural practices for large-scale projects in Sri Lanka, contributing to the advancement of sustainable agriculture globally.
Dole has a strong commitment to sustainability. Could you share some of the key sustainability initiatives that Dole Lanka has implemented locally to reduce its environmental footprint?
As previously discussed, our commitment to 100% herbicide-free farming since 2017 has significantly enhanced soil health, biodiversity, and water quality in our plantations. This approach underscores our dedication to sustainable agriculture.
A key aspect of our strategy is site-specific nutrient management, informed by annual analyses of soil and plant leaf tissues. This practice ensures that we neither overuse nor underapply fertilizers, optimizing resource use. We aim to maximize productivity per unit of input, thereby increasing efficiency and sustainability.
To further our environmental goals, we have assessed our carbon footprint to pinpoint areas where we can reduce emissions. A major component of this strategy is our focus on regenerative agriculture, which we anticipate will lower our fertilizer-related emissions over time.
Currently, we are engaged in several insetting and offsetting projects. For instance, we are developing a 200kw renewable energy project to inset a portion of our emissions. Additionally, we have partnered with Biodiversity Sri Lanka and other organizations to restore a degraded mangrove site at Anwilundawa. This restoration effort not only contributes to local ecosystem health but also aids in offsetting some of our carbon emissions, aligning with our broader environmental commitments.
The Anawilundawa Mangrove Project is an interesting endeavor. How does Dole Lanka contribute to this project, and what impact has it had on the local environment and community?
Our project to restore 3 hectares of mangrove forest is a vital step in environmental sustainability, aiming to offset 50 tons of CO2 annually. Mangroves, with their ability to sequester 10 times more carbon than terrestrial forests, are a key resource for carbon offsetting. This initiative also boosts the local economy by creating jobs for nearby communities.
The ecological benefits of mangroves are multifaceted. They provide crucial habitats for diverse species, including fish, shellfish, sea turtles, and birds, enhancing biodiversity. As natural barriers, mangroves protect coastal areas from storm surges and floods, a critical function in an era of climate change. Moreover, mangroves are essential for carbon storage, contributing to global warming mitigation. They support coastal livelihoods through fisheries and eco-tourism and act as environmental purifiers by filtering pollutants, thus preserving water quality and marine health.
CSR is an essential aspect of Dole’s operations. What are some of the notable CSR activities that Dole Lanka is engaged in?
Our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives focus on improving the lives of communities near our farms. Our annual CSR initiatives include the distribution of food during difficult times and also during festive times, donation of school bags, providing free drinking water to the community during drought and supporting government hospitals with medical equipment. We focus particularly on supporting education for students from low-income families. In partnership with the Buttala Divisional Secretariat, we organize an annual event to distribute stationery to these students, aiding their educational journey. Additionally, our support extends to Piriven and Daham Pasal students, recognizing the importance of Daham Pasal education in fostering holistic child development. This initiative underscores our commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring their growth and success.
Dole is known for its global presence. Could you tell us about any specific projects or initiatives in Sri Lanka that align with Dole’s global mission of making the world a healthier, more sustainable place?
Dole’s global mission, the “Dole Promise,” draws inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Sampo Yoshi, advocating for mutual benefits: benefiting the buyer, seller, and society. This mission comprises six interrelated promises aimed at enhancing our world for present and future generations. These include improving nutrition for a billion people by 2025, eliminating fruit waste in landfills by 2025, achieving net-zero carbon emissions in our operations by 2030, removing processed sugar from all products by 2025, shifting to zero fossil-based plastic packaging by 2025, and creating shared value for all stakeholders.
At Dole Lanka, these goals guide our actions. We’re boosting agricultural efficiency and yields, diversifying with local fruits to enrich nutrition and support local farmers. Our sustainable practices include converting fruit waste into vermicompost, reducing waste significantly. Additionally, we’re investing in regenerative agriculture and mangrove restoration, and planning a transition to renewable energy, contributing to our aim for corporate carbon neutrality. Our commitment extends to positively impacting community life, ensuring our operations align with a vision for a more equitable and sustainable future.