EleBalance working directly with seven farmers

 

🌿 Empowering 7 Farmers to Sustainably Grow Oranges & Mitigate Human–Elephant Conflict

At EleBalance, we're proud to partner closely with seven dedicated farmers in Sri Lanka to usher in a shift from dependency on donations toward long-term self-sufficiency. Our initiative focuses on maximizing orange production—not only for income, but as a way to reduce human–elephant conflict through a natural deterrent.

Expert Guidance: Partnering with Dr. Niranjana Rodney Fernando

We’re proud to be working with Professor Niranjana Rodney Fernando, a leading expert in Agricultural Entomology at the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, and her team — which includes agronomist Asela Sandaruwan.

Under her guidance, our selected farmers receive hands-on training in:

  • Identify and manage pest threats

  • Improve soil fertility 

  • Maximize yields through pruning, irrigation, and fertilization

  • Increase harvest profits

By working directly with farmers, Professor Fernando and her team are helping maximize each orange tree’s potential while minimizing environmental impact.

Agronomist Asela Sandaruwan observes and records data of all orange trees. Pictured here at Munasinghe’s farm.

Humanitarian & Conservation Outcomes 🌱

This integrated approach achieves multiple goals:

  • Reduced human-elephant conflict, creating safer environments for humans and habitats for elephants

  • Economic benefits to the farmer while helping to reduce or eliminate crop raiding

  • A shift in mindset from survival to sustainability

  • Communities coexisting with wildlife, rather than fighting against it

  • Fuels a sustainable model with potential to expand beyond these initial seven farms

At EleBalance, our goal includes more than planting trees—we’re planting lasting change. By empowering farmers with knowledge and resources, we’re lighting the way toward economic resilience, community safety, and wildlife conservation.

Stay tuned for updates from our seven partner farms and stories of transformation, harvesting success, and coexistence in action.

Asela provides two rolls of hosepipe to Suraba’s field for better irrigation.

 
Amber Kazansky