After ten years in Sri Lanka, survey work has been started to collect detailed information related to the agriculture sector. The exercise is being carried out as part of the 2025/2026 Economic Survey conducted by the Department of Valuation and Statistics.
The main objective of the survey is to obtain accurate information regarding the current status of the country’s agricultural sector, cropping activities, animal husbandry and land used for agriculture.
It has been announced that the information collection work will be carried out from October 1st to December 14th. Through this, the authorities plan to collect information related to the units involved in agricultural activities across the country and systematically analyze them.
Agriculture plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s economy. The livelihood of many rural families depends on cultivation and animal husbandry. Meanwhile, changes in agricultural production, land use and agricultural activities are related to food security and economic development of the country.
In this case, the survey conducted after a long gap is expected to be an important opportunity to understand the changes that have taken place in the agriculture sector.
Collection of information on cultivation, animal husbandry etc
Under this survey, information related to cultivation activities carried out by farmers, animal husbandry and land used for cultivation will be collected.
Such data can help to understand areas where agricultural activities are most prevalent, how land is used, and to what extent animal husbandry is practiced.
The survey is conducted on a country-wide basis collecting information up to the village officer division level. This will provide an opportunity to examine regional agricultural conditions separately along with national level information.
It has been informed that the officials engaged in data collection work will visit houses and establishments, identify the units involved in agricultural activities and conduct interviews with relevant parties to obtain information.
It is important for farmers to provide correct information regarding their crops and other agricultural activities. The results of the survey will be useful depending on the accuracy of the information collected.
Also, the information obtained through this survey is not limited to a particular district or a type of crop. The objective is to generate data for a broad understanding of the structure of the country’s agricultural sector.
These data can also be used to assess changes over time in agricultural activities. However, only after the final results of the survey are published can detailed conclusions regarding the situation in the agriculture sector be taken.
Emphasis on agricultural policies and economic planning
Another important objective of the agricultural census is to provide reliable information needed for the formulation of government policies and development plans.
Accurate data is essential for providing assistance to farmers, planning agricultural development programs and implementing activities according to the needs of the regions. A clear understanding of what types of agricultural activities are taking place in which areas can also help allocate resources as needed.
It has been announced that the survey will be carried out so that the information can be used not only at the national level, but also at the local government and village officer level. This will provide an opportunity to identify the needs of the regions and formulate future plans.
These data are expected to contribute to understanding the economic structure of Sri Lanka and improve the accuracy of economic indicators. In particular, the survey will provide baseline information to assess the size of the agricultural sector, its activities and regional differences.
Meanwhile, the Department of Valuation and Statistics said that the confidentiality of personal information collected during the survey will be protected. It has been announced that the personal information obtained cannot be disclosed to other persons or organizations, and the information contained in the survey tables cannot be submitted as evidence in court.
Therefore, the cooperation of farmers and stakeholders during data collection is essential for the success of the survey. Reports and plans based on the correct data can be useful only if they are available.
Initiated after ten years, this agricultural survey is a major effort to understand the current situation of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. When the data collection is completed and the results are published, it will be more clear how useful they are for agricultural development and economic planning.