ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CHENA CULTIVATION IN MONARAGALA DISTRICT, SRI LANKA

Abstract

Chena cultivation is practiced extensively in the dry zone in Sri Lanka. Generally, “slash and burn” methods are used to clear the land of natural vegetation.  Since the dry zones receive rains during the north east monsoon. The land preparation is completed before the monsoon starts. Short duration comparatively drought resistant crops such as grains, legumes, oil crops and vegetables are commonly grown in  chena.  Chena cultivation is more popular among the rural people in Monaragala district as their main livelihood.  Therefore, this study attempted to analyze the economic performance and to identify the socio-economic and environmental constraints of  chena cultivation. Study area was Thanamalvila DS division in Monaragala District. Purposively selected 92 farmers was the sample. Primary data were collected from farmers through personal interview method with the help of an interview schedule and field observation. The descriptive statistics and correlation test were employed to analyse data.

Average monthly income, cost of production and profit of the chena farming were Rs 49 356.00, 12 420.00 and 36 935.00 per ha per season, respectively.  With regard to income per ha per season, majority  (67%) were in the category of Rs 50 000.00 to 100 000.00. With respect to the profit per ha per season, 72% were in the category of Rs 25 000.00 to 100 000.00. Labour (63%), land preparation (16%) and agro chemical (13%) costs were the major cost components of the cultivation. Sesame, Kurakkan, Cowpea and Maize were recorded as major cultivated crops. Further, wild life attacks and  cattle problems  (83%),  legal action taken by the forest department (67%) drought (65%) pest and diseases (54%) and marketing problems (43%) were indicated as major problems faced by the farmers. However, around 74% of respondents were willing to continue the chena cultivation because they have no other alternative livelihoods in this area. On the other hand, majority (54%) was neutral or dissatisfied about their situation because they did not have land ownership. Introducing registration procedure for land ownership, construction of electrical fence to avoid wild life attack and plan a proper irrigation method to secure the water supply throughout the year were the major suggestions to improve the farming at commercial level rather than chenacultivation.