Factors Affecting Adoption of Recommended Crop Management Practices in Paddy Cultivation in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

     The objectives of the research were to: (1) identify the socio-economic factors of farmers in Kalutara district; (2) determine the relationship between socio economic factors and recommended crop management practices; and (3) identify the problems faced by farmers and their suggestions, and alternate solutions to improve adoption of recommended crop management practices in paddy cultivation. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample of 388 farmers. Data were analyzed and presented through frequency, percentages, and arithmetic means. Chi square test at 0.05 of significant level was employed to test hypotheses. Results revealed that the farmers had an average age 52 years and 68% obtained secondary education. The average experience in paddy cultivation was 23.8 years and there was an average of one member supported head farmer in cultivation. The average size of land was 0.87 acre with average profit of Rupees 4854.77 per acre. Majority of owners cultivated their own fields while 52.8% were engaged in off farm employment. About 43% of farmers obtained credit through the government source there was the main source of information. Extension officers visited 82.7% of farmers during last year, and only 27.1% of farmers participated in extension activities. Only 52.6% of farmers were members of farmers? organizations. Hypotheses testing revealed that adoption of recommended crop management practices significantly related to education, land, land tenure, income, credit, sources of information, extension activities, extension officer visits, and membership of farmers' organizations. Major problems of farmers were high cost of inputs, drainage and irrigation difficulties, and unavailability of paddy seeds. Farmers suggested government intervention is essential to solve the problems.