Sri Lanka has the potential to show the world what it can deliver which should incentivise the country to set up an international regenerative agriculture Stock Exchange, said Head of Planning and Innovation, Solidaridad Asia, Nitin Rao.
“There is immense potential in Sri Lanka which has set the stage for regenagri to trade in biodiversity and carbon trading which will bring in the much needed revenue to the economy,” Rao said addressing a forum on ‘regenagri for Growth Unlocking the Global Market Value through Regenerative Agriculture’ hosted by Solidaridad, Controlunion and Nucleus in Colombo last week.
He said Colombo can be the next Wall Street for regenerative agriculture which has waste benefits for the country and its economy.
“To back all these endeavours there needs a vibrant private sector powered by IT and technology,” Rao said stressing the importance of private public partnerships which is a healthy mode for business growth.
He said Sri Lanka should focus on more investments in unlocking international climate financing for adoption while stressing the inclusion of women in the formal economy which is yet inadequate although women account for about 60% in the agriculture sector.
While regenerative agriculture could be beneficial for Sri Lanka he said its success hinges on several factors including market demand, farmer readiness, and supportive policies.
While regenerative agriculture offers numerous benefits like improved soil health and climate resilience, establishing a dedicated exchange is a complex undertaking experts of the industry have stated.
The global regenerative agriculture market is expected to rise from $8.7 billion in 2022 to $16.8 billion by 2027 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.0%,.
With the rising awareness of the environmental impact of conventional farming methods, regenerative agriculture is emerging as a sustainable solution that prioritises soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. The regenerative agriculture market presents a compelling opportunity for businesses to tap into the growing demand for sustainable food production systems and promote a more environmentally conscious approach to farming.
Several recent trends are driving the growth of the regenerative agriculture market such as increasing consumer demand for sustainable and healthy food, corporate investment in regenerative farming practices, government policies and incentives, technological advancements, and increased collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders in the regenerative agriculture community. Together, these trends are fueling the adoption of regenerative practices by farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture practices worldwide.