Sri Lanka introduces QR code mapping for rubber farms to meet EU rules

By Poojathmi Rivithma

Colombo, Oct. 28 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide initiative to map all small-scale rubber plantations using geographic coordinates in order to comply with new European Union regulations on deforestation-free imports.

The program is being implemented by the Rubber Development Department with technical support from the Sri Lanka Survey Department, and is expected to be completed by 2025.

Under the initiative, each rubber-growing plot will be digitally recorded, after which farmers will be issued QR codes free of charge. These codes will be required when selling rubber to exporters targeting EU markets, officials said. Farmers without QR codes may face difficulties in securing buyers for their produce once the new regulations take effect.

Authorities have urged estate owners and smallholders to fully cooperate with survey officers during field visits and to have relevant documents ready, including the rubber plantation license, land deeds, land plan, and National Identity Card.

Officials also reminded farmers that only lands with rubber trees physically present at the time of the survey will be eligible for the program.