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Agriculture
ConservationLinks began way before 2015, the year it was incorporated
It all began in 1835 at the Kandyan Home gardens before the British colonial period. Gradually, we expanded and moved to the Kahapathana plantations at the valleys in Sri Lanka, with our first generations of farmers.
Adopting traditional agricultural methods for more than 6 generations, we have been growing coffee, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla and other tropical spices.
Wave after wave of challenges hit the Kahapathna plantations
Small-scale traditional agricultural production
Our small-scale traditional agricultural production meant that we only supply to people who knew us…etc etc. (more text required to make a short paragraph.
Changes in climate, demand and suply
But changes in climate, consumer demands and supply, meant that we could no longer sustain a basic livelihood. Agricultural life became challenging in the last 20 years, traditional agricultural methods no longer can work sustainably, not just for the lives of the farmers, but also for the planet.
Flood
But changes in climate, consumer demands and supply, meant that we could no longer sustain a basic livelihood. Agricultural life became challenging in the last 20 years, traditional agricultural methods no longer can work sustainably, not just for the lives of the farmers, but also for the planet.
Our farmland – the hidden treasure of Sri Lanka valley
Unique features of our land
There has been civilisation in the valley for two thousand years. One of Sri Lanka’s most famous kings (Dutugemunu, 161-137 BC) raised an army in the valley and went on to expel invading forces from southern India and reunite the country.
There are a number of historic sites in the valley related the legend of the king. This ranges from temples to sites of specific interest.
The valley is blessed with mountains, waterfalls, rivers and now the Kotmale reservoir built completed in 1985. The fertile soils and climatic zone spread between the humid intermediate climate to just above the cloud line, so many things grow in the valley. It also has some the of cleanest air found on the island.
Unique facts about the Kapapathana site
The family owned and ran many agriculture lands in the valley. Quite a large proportion were lost when the valley was flooded.
The Kahapathana site is one of the large plantations the family had and is still being run by the family.
In this site, we also have some of the very first tea plants planted by the family 6 generations ago, these bushes are now over 150 years old.
Milestones of ConservationLink’s agriculture
Experimented organic farming
We learned much from our failures in organic farming practices in 2017 which enabled us to grow further to our current agricultural practices.
Expanded to our 1st coffee processing plant
We went from just producing raw materials to owning a full-line production for coffee, value-adding on our Sri Lankan coffee to the highest standard
Improved output quality
Being GMP/HACCP/ISO certified, we strive to increase the quality of each produce.
Learning better application and use of fertilizers, we also achieve a greater control from seed to fruit, including peppers.
Improved facilities and capacity
Being awarded the Australian Market Development Facility (MDF) grant allows us to invest in a 1.5-tonne drying facility, which is a huge testament to our commitment to meet growing consumer demand.
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT MILESTONES
2016
First black pepper plants established based on traditional practices. Experimented Organic Farming.
2018-2019
First coffee/spice processing plant construction established. First coffee processing on the new lands.
2021-2022
2023