STATUS OF PADDY PRODUCTION IN A MAJOR PADDY PRODUCINGAND HIGHLY ECOLOGICALLY VULNERABLE DISTRICT OF SRI LANKA- A STUDY IN ANURADHAPURA DISTRICT

Abstract

Rice is the staple food of the inhabitants of Sri Lanka and Anuradhapura district is one of the
major paddy producing district and highly vulnerable to changes in climate. This study was
conducted to find out the current status of paddy production in the Anuradhapura district.
Proportionate sampling was done and 100 samples were selected for the study. Primary data
were collected from the sampled paddy farmers of Anuradhapura through personal interviews
using questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Chi square analysis was done. Results revealed
that the annual average income from paddy farming was Rs. 77800.00 per acre. Mean
cultivated area was 2.15 acre in Yala and in Maha it was 2.24 acre. As well as the amount of
paddy production was in Yala 1408 kilogram per acre and also in the Maha 1453 kilogram per
acre. Most of the farmers were cultivating in both seasons, and 8% farmers were cultivating
only in Maha season. In Mihinthale DS division 1131.825 Acres of lands and in
Nuwaragampalatha central DS division 1976.82 Acres of lands were damaged by adverse
climate effects during 2014/15 Maha season. A highly significant association observed
between the Income from paddy farming and education level of paddy farmers (X
2=38.23, p <
0.01) and between engagement in paddy farming and education level of paddy farmers
(X
2=24.49, p < 0.01). It is recommended to strengthen the agricultural extension systems with
particular attention to paddy farmers who have limited resources to confront climate change.