Minimizing Issues and Information Gaps in Value Chain of Cinnamon Industry in Sri Lanka through ICT based Intervention: A Case Study

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume) is indigenous to Sri Lanka which holds a virtual monopoly of cinnamon in the world accounting for around 90% of the global trade. Because of its industrial applications and medicinal properties, there is a growing demand for true cinnamon in the world. Major drawbacks of the cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka are low productivity and quality, poor value addition, lack of market information, smallholdings, poor accessibility, and inadequate and unsatisfactory extension services. This study identified the stakeholders and services in Sri Lankan cinnamon industry and proposed a model for the local cinnamon value chain by analyzing existing literature, established knowledge and qualitative discussions. Further, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out to ascertain the gaps in the local value chain of cinnamon and to determine the gaps that can be effectively addressed through ICT-based interventions. Survey results showed that nearly 75% of farmers obtained a yield less than 650 kg ha^-1 year^-1; 15% of the farmers received a yield less than 300 kg ha^-1 year^-1. According to the survey, 91% of the farmers used mobile phones to receive relevant information to the industry while 32% and 22% had used smartphones and Wi-Fi facility, respectively. Further, study revealed that cinnamon growers face difficulties in obtaining quality planting material, modern agro-technology, technical know-how and advisory service in cultivation and processing, business development services, experienced peelers and market behavior when required. Around 90% of the stakeholders expressed that they are interested to receive relevant information related to weather, agro-technology, support services, market information, etc. on a mobile-based application. Therefore, an information flow model; key functions and their behaviors for the proposed mobile-based information system are presented in this research. Hence, ICT enabled mobile platform shows great promise in improving the yield, quality, and profitability of cinnamon industry in Sri Lanka.