Browsing by Author "Chandrasiri, J.K.M.D."

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    Awareness of and Adoption to the Recommended Management Practices of Big Onion Growers (Case Study in Dambulla D.S. Division)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Nanayakkkara, D.N.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Padmini, S.M.P.C.; Chandrasiri, J.K.M.D.
    Big onion is considered as an important cash crop in Sri Lanka. Within few decades big onion production has increased significantly along with the increasing demand for consumption. Though the production has increased, productivity is not satisfactory as average of 17 MT/ha where the potential productivity lies at 30-37 MT/ha. Therefore, it is imperative to study the knowledge level of the farmers and their adoption behavior regarding the recommended cultivation practices. Sixty five big onion growers who have not less than 5 years of big onion farming experience were interviewed in Dambulla D.S. division. Sample was selected randomly and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Total of 17 DOA recommended practices were considered initially but only 7 management practices were shown correlation with the level of awareness and adoption status. Therefore those practices viz use of recommended varieties, nursery sterilization procedure, seed treatment, spacing, seedling treatment, pre emergence herbicide application, correct harvesting stage and providence of optimum storage conditions were considered for further analysis. Results reveal that awareness on pre emergence herbicides and optimum harvesting stage has reported comparatively higher and they are 98.5% and 89% respectively. When considering the adoption, 76.9% of the respondents reported that they did not keep spacing while transplanting. Though the respondents have high awareness on optimum harvesting stage, only 27.7% well adopted to practice it. Factors affecting adoption are analyzed by using a multiple linear regression model and 5 factors were found significant. Respondent's age and off farm employment negatively affect the adoption level whilst education level, big onion farming experience and community leadership have no impact on adoption. According to the results it can be suggested that, though the farmers have sufficient knowledge on pre emergence herbicide application, correct harvesting stage and optimum storage conditions, majority has not at all adopted to those practices. Ultimately, it causes serious market based issues. Keywords: Adoption level, Awareness, Big onion, Management practices
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    Identification of Present Status and Constraints of the Flower Vendors in Two Selected Religious Areas
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, N.U.M.; Kaliyadasa, P.E.; Amarakoon, A.M.C.; Chandrasiri, J.K.M.D.; Padmini, S.M.P.C.
    Cultivation and use of flowers for religious and cultural festivals is popular in Sri Lanka. Small-scale flower vendors can be seen near temples selling fresh flowers. These huge demanded niche markets were hidden and less studied. Therefore, this study was conducted to review present status, major constraints and potentials for younger generations' involvement related to the flower-vending sector attached to "Kiri-vehera temple in Katharagama" and "Maim Saman Dewalaya in Ratnapura". The population was both registered and non-registered vendors. The sample consists registered 30 respondents from Kiri-vehera temple and 28 respondents from Maha Saman Dewalaya. Data were collected using structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. Study reveals that majority of the vendors are females (84.5%) with average monthly income level of Rs. 24966. Most of the respondents (87.9%) are satisfied with their profession as a flower vendor. Involvement of younger generation in the sector is 46.3%. The level of constraints faced by vendors is considerably high in both places. However, vendors at Maha Saman Dewalaya face relatively high level of constraints. Lack of market demand and its' fluctuation, non-availability of proper selling location/area, multiple responsibilities, lack of support from government and other related authorities, laws and regulations, policies were the most affecting constraints for the vendors in both areas. Higher competition, less social acceptance of venture, lack of ability in obtaining financial and banking resources, non-availability of proper selling location, laws, regulations and policies and lack of support by responsible parties were the most affecting barriers for potential involvement of younger generations. According to the regression analysis, the level of constraints was significantly affected by the socio-economic factors such as household size, gender of the respondent, working hours per day, stall availability, availability of other income sources and vending area. Keywords: Constraints, Flower vendors, Present status, Religious areas, Younger generations' involvement