In a landmark achievement, our Halgolla Estate became the world’s first tea estate to receive Regenagri certification, followed by KVPL becoming the first Regional Plantation Company (RPC) to achieve this standard across its operations. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to sustainable agriculture while marking a significant milestone in the transformation of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.
Our transition to regenerative agriculture was driven by a deep-rooted conviction: to restore and enhance the health of our soils, biodiversity, and ecosystems thereby building climate resilience and long-term economic sustainability. Regenagri’s holistic framework aligns closely with our vision, offering an internationally recognised system to guide and benchmark our journey toward regenerative land management.
The path was not without challenges. Transitioning from conventional practices to regenerative methods requires a significant mindset shift among field teams and management alike. The need to reduce synthetic inputs while enhancing soil fertility, introducing cover crops, and integrating biodiversity conservation demands continuous learning, experimentation, and robust monitoring mechanisms.
Despite the challenges, our successes have been both transformative and measurable. We have seen marked improvements in soil health, water retention, and biodiversity indices across certified blocks. The adoption of regenerative practices has also created new economic opportunities through value differentiation, traceability, and sustainable branding, which are critical in today’s conscious consumer markets. It has also empowered our workforce with knowledge and purpose, fostering greater engagement across our estate communities.
To those beginning their regenerative agriculture journey, our advice is simple yet powerful: start with the soil, build internal champions, and remain committed to the process. Certification is not a destination, but a catalyst for continuous improvement. Investing in people, data-driven practices, and cross-stakeholder collaboration is essential.
At KVPL, we believe that regeneration is not just an agricultural shift; it is a business imperative and a moral responsibility. Through Regenagri, we are not only growing better tea; we are cultivating a better future.
Dr. Anuruddha Gamage
General Manager – HR & Corporate Sustainability
Kelani Valley Plantations PLC
