Performance evaluation of coconut estates: developing an index to evaluate performance of coconut estates managed by Kurunegala Plantations Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract — Coconut industry plays a vital role in the economy of Sri Lanka and in rural livelihood. Over 497,000ha of lands are cultivated with coconuts in Sri Lanka. Estate sector accounts for 25% of the land area for coconut cultivation and it contributes 40% of the national production. However the rest, 60%, is from smallholders’ sector. Coconut production by both smallholders and estates managed by plantation companies show high variation in their performance. In this study, the performance evaluation of coconut estates was done by developing an index. It facilitated comparison of the performance at seven areacoconut estates of Kurunegala Plantations Ltd (KPL) which holds mature coconut area of 3,124.60ha. Ten variables were identified as the most vital pertning to estate performance. Weights for each variable was finalized through direct interviews with five plantation experts at KPL. Ten year data for each variable were collected and the average values were taken for analyses. Results revealed that Narammala area estates have excellent performance in profit per ha, field works, agronomic and other management practices, and immature coconut extent. The estate has done well in density per ha, net sales average, cost of production and progress in office work. Even though the estate has done good in many variables, yield per ha and nuts per palm were only at satisfactory level. Its yield per ha was the 2nd highest among all area estates. With all performances, Narammala area-estates ranked no. 1 in KPL, but needed to improve in diversification, yield per ha and nuts per palm.

Keywords— Coconut, Estate sector, Performance Index