Factors Influencing Cinnamon Production: Insights from the Karandeniya Divisional Secretariat area in Galle District

Abstract

The spice industry is a major economic driver in Sri Lanka, with cinnamon playing a significant role in the country's foreign exchange balance. Despite a steady increase in the area cultivated with cinnamon from 2015 to 2020, production levels have not shown comparable growth. The Galle District, which includes the Karandeniya Divisional Secretariat, accounts for over 35% of the total cinnamon cultivation area in Sri Lanka. However, not all plantations in this region are equally productive, highlighting a disparity between cultivated area and yield. This research is original as it addresses a knowledge and geographical gap in understanding the factors influencing cinnamon production in Sri Lanka, particularly in the Karandeniya Divisional Secretariat area. Primary data were collected from 50 cinnamon cultivators using purposive sampling and a self-administered questionnaire, while secondary data were sourced from the resource profile published by the Karandeniya Divisional Secretariat. Data analysis was conducted using correlation and multiple linear regression analyses via IBM SPSS Statistics 20.0 software. The correlation analysis revealed that logistical and infrastructure-related factors, Policy and institutional factors and operational and managerial factors had a significant positive relationship with average annual cinnamon harvest per acre at the 0.01 significance level. The multiple linear regression analysis confirmed that logistical and infrastructural factors, policy and institutional factors, and operational and managerial factors significantly impacted the average annual harvest per acre. These findings indicate the importance of addressing these three key factors in policy development to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the cinnamon sector in Sri Lanka. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions in logistical and infrastructure improvements, better operational and managerial practices, and more supportive policy frameworks to boost cinnamon production and maximize its economic benefits.