Kern Farms, located in the heart of Wanatawilluwa, Puttalam, has transformed a once-forgotten cashew estate into a thriving farm producing some of Sri Lanka’s finest cashews. We sat down with owner Russel Kern to learn about the journey from city life in the Netherlands to cultivating premium cashews, embracing sustainable farming, and understanding the rhythm of the land.
Why We Chose Wanatawilluwa
Since 2000, my father-in-law, Mr. Ellsworth Fernando, a retired tea planter, had been urging us to invest in a coconut estate in Sri Lanka. Living in the Netherlands at the time, we were far removed from farming life.
“Finally, in 2012, in what I’d call an act of both persistence and desperation, he convinced us to look at an abandoned piece of land that was supposed to be a cashew estate. To be honest, it looked worthless – overgrown, dry, and neglected. But on 30 August that year, we bought the 15-acre plot… mostly because we couldn’t turn him down.”
With the help of his son Aubon in Australia, the Kern family embarked on what would become a life-changing adventure in farming.
Learning from the Land
Transitioning from city life to a farm was no small feat.
“We didn’t even know how to hold a hoe correctly. The land was wild, dry, and seemingly unproductive. But we cleared it, slowly and carefully, and began replanting.”
Today, walking through the estate, you can see rows of thriving cashew trees where there was once nothing but scrub and weeds.
“The transformation isn’t just physical, it’s emotional too. The land teaches you humility.”
The Secret to Wanatawilluwa Cashews
Wanatawilluwa is famed for producing some of the best cashews in Sri Lanka. The secret lies in the combination of soil and climate.
“The land here was once part of the Wilpattu jungle, so the soil is incredibly rich and organic. It’s sandy but well-draining, which cashew trees love. The hot, dry climate also plays a big role. The nuts that grow here tend to be large, sweet, and have a distinct creamy flavour.”
The balance between the harshness of the land and careful farming results in cashews that are uniquely delicious.
The Labor Behind Every Nut
Most people don’t realize the effort that goes into producing a single cashew.
“The cashew seed grows attached to the cashew apple, and once the apple ripens, it falls to the ground. From that point on, each nut is handled by hand multiple times before it ever reaches a factory… collecting, drying, shelling, roasting, peeling, and grading. Every stage requires careful attention.”
The process is labor-intensive, and the shell oil can be caustic, making careful handling essential.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Cashew Industry
Sri Lanka’s cashew industry has seen ups and downs.
“The main culprit is climate change; rainfall patterns are unpredictable, and prolonged droughts affect flowering and yields. Beyond that, there’s a lack of structure and proper representation. What we need is a competent government authority willing to listen to farmers.”
Russel emphasizes that Sri Lanka should focus on quality over quantity, positioning its cashews in the premium market for ethically sourced, flavorful nuts.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
“It’s all about finding balance. We use some machinery to keep costs down and improve efficiency – especially for tasks like clearing or drying – but the human touch is still vital. Cashew farming has always relied on skilled hands.”
Kern Farms combines modern agricultural techniques with traditional methods, ensuring the nuts maintain their unique quality.
Sustainability and Life Lessons
“You start to notice how interconnected everything is – the soil, the trees, the insects, even the people who work the fields. You learn that you’re not an owner, just a caretaker. Our philosophy is simple: enhance the land, don’t exploit it. We grow responsibly and always think about how to leave the soil healthier than we found it.”
Kern Farms demonstrates that premium cashew farming is not just about the nuts, but about care, patience, and respect for nature. Their journey is a reminder that small-scale, thoughtful agriculture can yield both rewarding produce and a richer connection to the land.
Excerpts adapted from an interview with Russel Kern, published in The Morning on 14 Nov 2025.