Browsing by Author "Sivashankar, P."

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    Analysis of Consumer Food Safety Knowledge and Practices in Rathnapura
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Dharmasiri, G.D.H.P.; Sivashankar, P.; Hettiarachchi, I.C.; Mahaliyanaarachchi, R.P.
    Food safety is a scientific discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent food borne illness. Unsafe food is the likely vector of multiple biological, chemical or physical hazards and certainly of several nutritional problems. Consumers are the end-users of food chain. With their attitudes, knowledge, age, sex, income level and social status food safety knowledge and practices are different. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 30% of the population of developed countries are affected by food borne illness each year; more than 75 million people get sick from food related illnesses in the USA resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths annually (WHO, 2007). The problem is expected to be even more severe in developing countries. Now Sri Lanka is more concern about food safety and handling practices. There are many rules and regulations. Food Act No. 26 of 1980: This Act controls, manufacture, importation, transport, sale, distribution, advertisement labeling of food. Sri Lankan food & beverage products comply with international standards such as ISO 9000, ISO 22000, HACCP, Halal, Kosher, Organic etc. In Sri Lanka also have many of food borne diseases, but they are not reported often. But mainly diarrhoeal diseases are the prominent. This study assesses the consumer food safety knowledge and the practices among the Rathnapura households. Methodology A survey strategy was used in the research. Target population was the entire household in Rathnapura district 301,876 .Thought it was large to do an investigation within limited time period and inadequate financial budget, multi stage random sampling technique was employed to select appropriate sample to evaluate the objectives of this study. Eventually 120 household were selected as the sample size where can meet 95% confidential level. Five key principles of Food safety by WHO, are used to find out consumer knowledge level in food safety. The association between socio economic characteristics and knowledge on food safety was revealed by applying chi-square test. Prevailing food safety measures were identified by using significant measures like smell, appearance, special package, and price and quality certificates. Consumer food safety knowledge was evaluated with household experiences of physical symptoms associate with food borne illness. And also food preparation, purchasing and storage practices were used to identify food safety knowledge and practices of consumers. Analysis was done by using Minitab 14.0 software package and Microsoft Excel. Results and Discussion Descriptive statistics for the sample were produced using descriptive statistical analysis. The purpose of generating descriptive statistics was to describe the demographic characteristics of the sample.56% females and 44% males are in the sample. To prevent contamination of food with pathogens spreading from people, pets and pests, separate raw and cooked foods to prevent contaminating the cooked foods, cook foods for the appropriate length of time and at the appropriate temperature to kill pathogens, store food at the proper temperature, do use safe water and cooked materials. Majority of consumer’s (58%) food safety knowledge level was low. 30% of consumers were had high food safety knowledge level.12% had medium level knowledge on food safety. Food safety measures were identified by the study as smell, appearance, special package, and price and quality certificates. Among them 12% considered price, appearance and smell as important factors.7% were merely concern about one factor of them. Smell, package and special offer were identified by 10% of consumers. And also 10% of them were concerned about all measures. Among respondents 63% selected food items without considering about quality certification. The association between socio economic characteristics and knowledge on food safety was analyzed by using chi-square analysis. Income level had significant association with food safety knowledge of consumers. Education level did not show any association on food safety knowledge. 95% of respondents had experienced with any of the food borne illnesses. This shows that consumers have low confident on food safety and how to protect their family from food borne illnesses. Daniels (1998) verified that consumers who considered themselves knowledgeable make food handling errors. By considering food safety practices on storage and preparation, 53% of consumers agreed that peeled and chopped fruits and vegetables kept in open air for long time cause contamination. But 23% strongly agreed that before using vegetables and fruits, they should be soaked in salt water. Only 10% kept cooled vegetables and fruits in open air more than one hour. In purchasing fish, 8% of consumers observed red color gills, discoloration and brightness of eyes. Majority were concerned on one factor. And also 48% were concerned about cleanliness of preparation and operator. Storage period of fish and usage were not concerned by consumers of 36%.some consumers never keep cooked meat and raw meat at the same place in refrigerator (34%). Cleaning of food preparation area with soap and water was practiced by only 6%. Washing the cutting board with water, used to chop vegetables or cut raw meat was practiced by 8% of consumers (Table 01). Lack of knowledge is likely to lead to inappropriate food handling behaviors. Generally, consumer’s knowledge has been found to be inadequate to ensure that food preparation in the home minimizes the risk of food borne illness. Personal hygiene and cleanliness of surfaces where food is prepared were identified as practices that have to be developed. Nearly 48% consumers were concern on personal hygiene highly,
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    Factors Affecting Farmers' Willingness to Pay for Jatropha Biodiesel
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Sivashankar, P.; Weerahewa, J.; Pushpakumara, D.K.N.G.; Galagedara, L.W.
    Sri Lanka in its principle policy aims to produce at least 20% of energy requirement by renewable energy source by 2020. Still not much attention has been paid on bio fuels. Jatropha curcas L. is found to be a potential alternative source of renewable energy since its cultivation and oil extraction contribute to sustainable development, poverty alleviation, combating of desertification, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and women empowerment in developing countries (Pushpakumara et al, 2008, and Francis et al, 2005). Jatropha has various socio-economic benefits which makes it more economical when cultivated on commercial scale. Like other vegetable oils, Jatropha oil can be used directly in modified diesel engines for automobile applications. Its adaptability to marginal conditions is an advantageous feature, which other oil producing crops do not have (Pushpakumara et al, 2008), thus it has the ability to reclaim problematic lands and restore eroded areas (Francis et al 2005). Jatropha originated biodiesel is less expensive to produce than other energy crops such as rapeseed and soybeans. This study looks at the demand for Jatropha produced biodiesel. Initially, it is unlikely to be used as a substitute for diesel. Jatropha biodiesel or Straight oil can be used at village level to operate farm machinery and for day to day activities at small scale. If there exist a willingness from farmers to use biodiesel at least in short term then Jatropha could be used as an additional income source. By- products of Jatropha biodiesel can also be sold. Thus this study looks at what factors affect rural farmers' willingness to pay for Jatropha biodiesel. Methodology Welfare estimation is based on Indirect utility and Minimum expenditure functions. Lancaster's (1971) theoretical model for demand estimation is expanded to include other empirical variables. Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) can be viewed as a direct measure of welfare change.
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    Farmers perception on cultivating medicinal plants as an agribusiness venture: a study at Pambahinna agrarian services division
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Liyanagamage, T.M; Hettiarachchi, I.C.; Sivashankar, P.; Mahaliyanaarachchi, R.P.
    Medicinal plants have been used in Sri Lanka for many purposes since early civilization. Recently both national and international demand for ayrvedic medicinal materials has been increased due to increased health awareness. But unfortunately Sri Lankan cultivations presently do not at least provide for the demand for the country itself, this leads to import many plants from countries like India, Pakistan and Dubai. Therefore the propose of this research was to identify farmers perception on medicinal plant cultivation as an agribusiness which could be an important perspective to develop this sector. This research was particularly carried in Pambahinna Agrarian Services Division. In the research questions farmers experience and knowledge on medicinal plant, awareness on markets, potentials and constrains of this industry was discussed. A survey was conducted among randomly selected sample of 111 farmers within 10 GN (gramasewa niladari) divisions and obtain information through an interviewer administrated structured questionnaire. Data analyzing was done using mini tab 14 and MS Excel using descriptive statistics, graphical explanations, and chi square test. Concerning on awareness, many farmers were aware about the value of medicinal materials but they lack information about such agribusinesses so they lack motivation and inspiration Key words: Perception, Medicinal plants, Agribusiness Introduction Common medicines like ginger, garlic, and coriander were used by ancient physicians and used by the people even today. In fact the chemicals used in western drugs were originally extracted from medicinal plants. There is a current trend evolving in many developed and developing countries to move back to old traditions in medicine and especially in beauty culture. The national demand for medicinal plant materials was 3,864,760 kg in 2000 and approximately 1,509,201 kg of this amount were imported to meet the national demand at a cost of about Rs. 13 million (Abeywardana, N and Hettiarachchi, J. K., 2001). Hence great potential exists to organize the cultivation medicinal plants on commercial scale to increase the domestic supply of raw materials (Joseph and Abeysekera, 2004; Gunasena et al., 2004). This paper looks at the farmers’ willingness to cultivate medicinal plants as an agribusiness venture and to find out the potentials and constraints in medicinal plant cultivation.
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    Influence of Socio Economic Factors on Acceptance of Genetically Modified Foods
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Dayasena, Y.A.P.K.; Sivashankar, P.; Hettiarachchi, I.C.
    Genetically Modified (GM) foods are produced from crops and animals where the genes have been altered in that species for a favorable trait. This trait could be favorable to consumers or for farmers (Wachenheim, 2004). GM foods have become quite common in many countries though they are not available in Sri Lanka. Given the rate of usage of GM foods in the world, in near future Sri Lanka also will be using GM foods in the market. Contrastingly, there is a growing concern in consuming GM foods or related products where GM foods are used as inputs. Since there is no scientific proof for the side effects of GM foods consumption, it is always linked with increasing health problems which occur to millions of people daily in the world. Given this context, this pilot study attempts to study the acceptance of GM foods by Sri Lankan consumers if they are introduced to Sri Lanka and more specifically which cohort of Socio-demographic group prefers GM foods (Deodhar et al., 2007; Kimenju and De Groote, 2008). This would support the companies and policy makers to readjust their preferences and policy formulations (Moro and Boccaletti, 2000; Huang et al., 2006. Methodology A group of 120 Agriculture undergraduates from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka were chosen for the study. Rather than the general consumers university students are familiar with GM foods and most probably they will be the society in the years to come when GM foods become a common good in the market. Further the present consumers might not be familiar with the GM concepts and interviewing the people with understanding on GM is costly and time taking activity. They are also a subset of consumers in the general market. Further university cohort represents different people from different socio-economic background. Participation was voluntary. Questionnaire included sections on socio-economic factors, Knowledge, awareness and perceptions on GM foods, and their willingness to consume GM foods. Descriptive analysis and non parametric tests (chi square analysis and t tests) were performed to check the relationship between preference determinants. for GM foods and socio economic and demographic Results and Discussion Majority of the sample are female (64.4%). About 52% are final year students followed by 32.5% of third year students. Most of them come from Semi urban areas (56.8%) and 27% are ruralites. About 43.2% of the households are earning a monthly income of between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000. Around 21% of them are getting a monthly house hold income above Rs. 40,000. 56% of respondents think that GM foods are beneficial. If GM foods are introduced in Sri Lanka, 56% say that they will not buy. Table 1 shows the association between familiarity with GM techniques and factors like gender, income, location/residence and year of study. There exist a relationship between familiarity of GM foods and gender, whereas no relationship with familiarity on recombinant technology and hybrid breeding. As expected all the three statements show an association with year of study. Usually it is expected that with higher education in the sciences field they tend to show much familiarity with subjects like this. Income and residence suggest that there is a mixed result in association with GM foods, Recombinant technology, and hybrid breeding.
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    Mobile Phone based Information Systems & Services Adaptations of Upcountry Vegetable Farmers in Welimada DS Division
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Perera, D.G.D.; Sivashankar, P.; Mahaliyanaarachchi, R.P.; Hettiarachchi, I.C.
    Information is becoming a major input in Agricultural production. Mobile phone based information systems and services act as a cheaper and effective agricultural extension mode by transferring information and technology to the farming communities efficiently and effectively. This study attempts to find out the awareness level, usage and attitudes of the up country vegetable farmers about the mobile phone based information systems in Welimada DS division. The research was conducted in Boralanda, Bogahakumbura and Keppetipola agrarian centers in the Welimada divisional secretariat division of Uva province. Cluster sampling method was used to collect data from 120 farmers. Descriptive analysis and non-parametric analysis (chi square) were performed to analyze the data. Rank based quotient used to analyze the ranked data. It was revealed that majority of the farmers (49%) have never heard about the mobile phone based information systems & services, 16% have good knowledge about it and use mobile phone based information. The 1920 toll free agriculture advisory service is the mostly used mobile phone based information service of the farmers. An association exists between awareness level of mobile phone based information systems and Experience of the farmers. Also there exists a relationship between usage level of mobile phone based information systems and experience of the farmers.There exists a relationship between usage of mobile phone based information systems and farmers attitudes on income & knowledge. Programmes should be implemented to increase the awareness and to express the timely importance ofthe mobile phone based information systems and services. Keywords: Information, Mobile phone, Agriculture, Knowledge
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    Patterns of fresh fruit consumption of households in Kurunegala
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2015) Abeysinghe, A.M.I.P.; Hettiarachchi, I.C.; Sivashankar, P.; Mahaliyanaarachchi, R.P.
    Agriculture is the most common vocation of the Sri Lankan. Different varieties of fruits are cultivated in Sri Lanka’s varied agro-climatic regions. Fruits play a major role in the well-being of consumers. Consumption of fruits contributes to an increase in the nutritional level of people. The food pyramid developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends, 2-4 servings of fruits per day (Life clinic international, 2010). According to MRI the daily per capita requirement of fruits for a balanced diet should be 30‐40 g (edible portion), which is approximately equivalent to 25‐40 kg fresh fruit per head per year. However, Sri Lanka’s per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables remains far below the required average daily intake (Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, 2010). In the process of enhancing fruit consumption, it is very useful to consider the needs, preferences and behavior of consumers. The main objective of this study is to find demand for different fruit types and the factors that influence households consuming of different fruit types. Methodology A deductive research approach was followed. Survey strategy was used as a research strategy. Primary Data were collected through an interviewer administered questionnaires and most research questions had descriptive purposes. Before collecting data pilot test was used to identify the problems while responding to the questionnaires. Kurunegala District in North Western Province, was selected as the research area. It consists of 30 Divisional Secretariats, 1610 Grama Niladari Divisions and 4476 total Villages (Department of Census and Statistics, 2009). Kurunegala district has 412,897 households (District Statistical Branch, Kurunegala). The sample size was about 153 households which are from Kurunegala District. The stratified random sampling technique was used as sampling method to select households Types of fresh fruit consumption among different households and consumption frequency of different fruit types were analyzed by descriptive analysis. Chi-square Test was the statistical analytical tool applied in identification of consumption pattern of across various household groups. Microsoft Excel and Minitab 14.0 Software programs were used to analyze the data. Results and Discussion Results reveal that there is no significant difference between three types of locality groups (urban, semi urban and rural) when they are consuming fruits. But rural residents had low expenditure on fruits compared to the urban and semi-urban resident, due to varieties of local fruit available in their home garden. Banana, papaw, mangoes and pineapple are the major fruits consumed in the Kurunegala District. The majority of the respondent did not intake fruit as daily consuming food. In Household fruit consumption, those who do not consume fruits daily, consume fruits around 3-4 days per week. In the study household banana consumption was 3 days per week while papaya, mango, and pineapple are consumed 2-3 days in a week. According to the food pyramid developed by USDA, Kurunegala district household’s fruit consumption is lower. Relationship between Social, Economic Characteristics and Fruit consumption Studies prove that age, gender, household size, income, occupation, education level, marital status significantly affects household fruit consumption (Whichelow and Prevost, 1996; Mirmiran et al., 2009; Billson, 1999). The data were in line with previous findings from the USDA, that the major factors affecting fruits consumptions were income, age and education of consumers (Biing, 2004). Table 01, shows there are significant relationships between marital status, occupation, education level, income with household fruit consumption at the 0.05 significance level. At the same time, there were no significant relationship between gender, household size and age towards household fruit consumption at the 0.05 significance level. Therefore, in this study, household income, occupation, marital status, and education level have a significant relationship with household fruit consumption and age, household size and gender did not significantly affect the household fruit consumption.