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Corn yield improvement practices and procurement monitoring
Expert Farmer supported Jaya Farm in strengthening its corn supply chain by analysing existing agricultural practices, production constraints, and farmer engagement models. The project focused on identifying practical improvements to increase yields, reduce post‑harvest risks, and secure a consistent grain supply. Our assessment provided the client with a clear, actionable pathway to rectify and improve production as well as the value chain performance.
Corn yield improvement practices and procurement monitoring
Location
Sri Lanka
Production
Corn
Delivery
2025
Area
2,000 ha
Client
Jaya Farms
Sector
Private
Service(s)
Technical due diligence
The challenge
National production remains low despite the government’s efforts, whilst limited local drying capacity increases the risk of mycotoxins. Inconsistent farming practices, poorly estimated acreage and inadequate supervision make planning and harvesting uncertain, against a backdrop of declining yields for which no clear cause has been identified.
The result
Our work has enabled the client to clarify strategic priorities, anticipate the production workflows redesign, and identify better agronomic and organisational practices. The outcome is a more predictable, scalable and resilient supply chain, which helps to mitigate risks and support long-term growth.
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Brief of the project
Technical Due Diligence
Expert Farmer conducted a comprehensive technical due diligence of corn production system across the Anuradhapura District. Our experts assessed agronomic conditions, farmer practices, seed performance, soil health and field preparation methods to identify the root causes affecting yield and quality. The evaluation included field inspections, interviews with producers, analysis of cropping patterns and verification of irrigation conditions.
Expert Farmer analyzed drying capacity limitations and their effects on grain quality, proposing operational models that reinforce contractual compliance and safeguard input recovery. This work strengthened the client’s ability to control and stabilize its supply chain.
Our experts have also conducted a detailed assessment of soil properties, identifying local issues and specific requirements.
Recommendations
Based on our findings, we proposed corrective actions in terms of soil preparation, seeding and crop husbandry plan. We've examined seed variety performance and provided guidance on updating varietal portfolios, including strategies for field trials and fertilization.
Expert Farmer developed short‑term and long‑term production improvement pathways, covering :
- practical measures to restore yields to their optimal levels,
- structured roadmap towards mechanization,
- guidelines on drying investment to mitigate mycotoxin contamination.
Through this mission, Expert Farmer provided Jaya Farm with an actionable framework to optimize its corn sourcing strategy, strengthen relationships with growers and improve long‑term operational sustainability across the entire value chain.
Highlights
Mycotoxins
Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced naturally by certain microscopic fungi (moulds) that grow on grains such as cereals—including maize, wheat, rice and sorghum—as well as soya and oilseed meal. These fungi grow on grains in the field, and then particularly after harvest if drying is poor or storage is inappropriate. Excessive moisture, high temperatures and poor ventilation greatly encourage their growth.
The main mycotoxins encountered are aflatoxins, fumonisins, DON (vomitoxin), zearalenone and ochratoxin. They are invisible to the naked eye, heat-resistant and are not destroyed by processing or cooking.
In animal feed, the major risks include reduced zootechnical performance, digestive or reproductive disorders, a weakened immune system and increased mortality. Young animals, poultry and pigs are particularly susceptible. Certain mycotoxins can also pass into animal products (milk, meat), posing a risk to human health.
Expert Farmer provides support for preventive measures based on good crop and harvest management, rapid drying, dry and ventilated storage, as well as regular grain inspections.