Browsing by Author "Wijesuriya, Wasana"

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Constraints in sustainable smallholder rubber farming in the Moneragala district
(Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, 2011) Wijesuriya, Wasana; Dissanayake, D.M.A.P.; Herath, H M L K; Gunaratne, P K K S
This study was focused on the Moneragala district which is one of the districts in the Uva Province. Rubber cultivation, being a new initiative there is a high risk of resource wastage in these areas which necessitated a detail study for proper planning of this exercise. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the existing status of rubber cultivation in this area together with socio-economic conditions of rubber farmers. A questionnaire survey was done to collect relevant information from 255, 248 and 143 respondents in the respective categories of farmers who are prepared to cultivate rubber (potential farmers) and those who own immature and mature rubber plantations. Participatory studies were also done to assess the awareness on technical recommendations of rubber. The technical efficiency of rubber farmers was studied employing a stochastic frontier approach. More than 50% of the farmers had only primary level education. Hence, education needs to be considered as a constraint in improving the awareness of rubber farmers. Higher percentage of farmers with a monthly income of less than Rs. 10,000 should also be regarded as a bottleneck for the adoption of recommended technologies. Awareness on recommendations in immature phase ranged from 19% to 55% which was not at a satisfactory level. The awareness on tapping related activities was also not adequate since the awareness scores for both general and technical knowledge on tapping were below 40%. The production efficiency levels of mature rubber lands ranged from 17% to 96%, with an average value of 59%. The lands with smaller extent have lower efficiency levels. Those who practice the recommended tapping intensity had high efficiency levels. The average efficiency observed in the virgin panel was 62% while it was 52% with the renewed panels. The average efficiency in the lands tapped by owners themselves was 61% while when tappers were hired it was only 55%.
Land suitability model for rubber in Moneragala district: first approximation using GIS
(Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, 2011) Karunaratne, Senani; Gunathilake, Jagath; Wijesuriya, Wasana; Herath, Keminda; Smarappuli, Lalani
Rubber is one of the major plantation crops grown in Sri Lanka, which generates foreign earnings to the country. To cope up with the increasing demand for rubber in both local and international markets it is vital to increase the extent under rubber cultivation. Expansion of rubber into intermediate and dry zone areas of Sri Lanka is focused in rubber development activities to achieve the national production targets. Hence, the objective of this study is to develop a land suitability map for rubber in Moneragala district and to identify potential land uses for further expansion of rubber in this district. The study was carried out in GIS environment using weighted overlaying technique. Results from the suitability analysis revealed that, the DS division, Madulla has the highest extent of ‘most suitable’ category (1289 ha) while Wellawaya and Siyambalanduwa have 480 ha and 476 ha, respectively. The information derived through this study offer a ground for the policy makers for effective decision making on expanding rubber cultivation in the Moneragala district.
Transition from rubber to tea in Baduraliya area in the Kalutara district: a case study on perceptions of farmers and economic feasibility
(Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, 2010) Kulasekera, K P; Wijesuriya, Wasana; Dissanayake, D M A P; Abeywickrama, L M
This study was carried out in Baduraliya area in the Kalutara district. The sample consisted of 104 farmers including 29 rubber growers who transferred into other crops. A structured questionnaire and participatory tools were employed in the study. The transition from rubber to other crops or uses was 28% and 94% out of it was for tea. The major factors behind this decision were; fluctuating rubber prices, shortage of latex harvesters, disease outbreaks and rain interference. Those who transferred to tea cultivation have mentioned that the involvement in tea does not permit them to engage in another occupation, it reduced leisure time and has adverse impacts on environment. The cash-flow analysis confirmed that the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rates of Return (IRR) values were high for tea although Benefit Cost (BC) ratio was slightly high for rubber. However, tea has better prospects in this area, since the payback period was three years for tea and 10 for rubber. Hence, it is important to take measures to reduce immature period and maximize the economic benefits through intercropping during the immature stage of rubber.
Use of rainfall patterns for efficient operation of agronomic practices in rubber plantations: The cast of Moneragala district
(Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, 2010) Wijesuriya, Wasana; Herath, Keminda; Karunaratne, Senani