Earnings from 1.5 Acres of Black Pepper Farm in Sri Lanka
Potential Annual Earnings (Mature Farm, Dried Black Pepper)
- Gross Revenue: 1.5 – 3.5 million LKR (~$4,700 – $11,000 USD)
- Net Profit (after costs): 1.2 – 3 million LKR (~$3,800 – $9,400 USD) per year with good management
Key Breakdown
| Item | Conservative | Good Management |
|---|
| Yield (dried) | 600 kg/acre | 800–1,200+ kg/acre |
| Total for 1.5 acres | ~900 kg | 1,200–1,800+ kg |
| Price (farm gate) | ~1,900 LKR/kg | ~1,900 LKR/kg |
| Revenue | ~1.7 million LKR | 2.3 – 3.4 million LKR |
| Annual Costs | ~60,000–100,000 LKR | Similar (family labor helps) |
| Net Profit | ~1.5–1.6 million LKR | 2–3+ million LKR |
Important Notes
- Best results come from well-managed farms (proper pruning, nutrition, pest control) in areas like Kandy or Matale.
- Full production starts after 4–5 years. Early years have lower yields and higher setup costs.
- Many farmers sell green berries (cheaper per kg but easier) instead of drying.
- Annual costs are relatively low once established (~24,000 LKR/acre cash outlay in recent data).
- Prices fluctuate; current farm-gate price for good black pepper is around 1,700–2,050 LKR/kg.
- Extra income possible through intercropping or value-added products (white pepper, grinding, packaging).
Bottom line: A well-run 1.5-acre black pepper farm can generate
several thousand USD in net profit per year once mature — making it one of the more profitable spice crops in Sri Lanka’s mid-country regions. Success depends heavily on management and consistent care.