AWARENESS AND ADOPTION OF IMPROVED TECHNOLOGIES AMONG SMALLHOLDER RUBBER FARMERS IN SEETHAWAKA DS DIVISION, COLOMBO DISTRICT

Abstract

A study was carried out to identify rubber farmers' awareness and adoption of improved technologies in the Seethawaka DS division, Colombo District. By following a random sampling procedure, 100 rubber farmers were selected, and a structured interview schedule was used to collect the information through personal interviews. The collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS package. The frequencies, percentages and correlation coefficients were used to interpret the results. The results revealed that the average age of rubber farmers was 45-55 years old, 81% of farmers were males, and 19% of farmers were female. The average educational level of the farmer was up to the secondary level. The average family size was four members, and the average income (farm and off-farm) was Rs. 67210.00 per month. Most of the farmers had 20-30 years of farming experience in rubber cultivation. Their social participation and engaged with the extension activities were very low. Most male persons participated in various activities under Rubber cultivation, but female participation was high in the activity of tapping. Most respondents had some idea about the improved rubber technologies, but no one adopted those technologies.