Study on the Farming Techniques Adapted by Commercial Farmers in Wetzone, Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study reporting different farming techniques used by commercial farmers in Wet zone, Sri Lanka. The research investigate how these methods are distributed across different districts and farm sizes, their effectiveness, the challenges they faced, and how farmers scope these issues. Data was collected by using structured questionnaire. The total numbers of 88 farmers were selected for this study by using random sampling method. Research findings revealed that farmers who have small sized farm in Colombo and Gampaha prefer organic farming, while farmers who have large sized in Galle and Colombo practicing high density method for fruit cultivation. Although hydroponic farming is less common, it proves to be highly efficient and profitable, especially for leafu vegetable crops. The identified key challenges were high costs and pests issues in organic farming, climate related problems more in high density farming, as well as costs issues in hydroponic farming. Farmers are adapting different measures based on the suitability of cultivated crops and farming techniques. This study provides valuable insights to improve farming practices by adaptation to different farming techniques and sustainability enhancements in Sri Lanka's Wet Zone, helping farmers enhance productivity and profitability in successful way for long term manner.