Determinants of Organic Fertilizer Usage in the Post- Chemical Fertilizer Ban Period: Evidence from Mihinthale Divisional Secretariat, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The use of organic fertilizers in agriculture has gained attention as a means of managing waste Organic farming is considered as an environmentally friendly agricultural practice since the heavy use of chemical fertilizer has been considered unhealthy for the environment. After the ban on importing chemical fertilizer by the government of Sri Lanka in 2021, the use of organic fertilizer has received extra attention in the country. In this context, the main purpose of this study is to examine the significant factors affecting the usage of organic fertilizers in Sri Lanka. A survey was conducted with a large sample based on the Mihinthale Divisional Secretariat in the Anuradhapura District which has about 4,169 farmers. A sample of 834 farmers were selected randomly among six Grama Niladhari Divisions based on the convenient sampling method. Data were collected using a structured
questionnaire administered by two research assistants and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study identified that waste management strategy, economic benefit, perceived health consciousness, practicing sustainable agriculture, and self-satisfaction significantly influence the usage of organic fertilizer in the Mihinthale Divisional Secretariat, Anuradhapura District. The findings of the study will help to improve the usage of organic fertilizer in Sri Lanka and contribute to designing sustainable agricultural policies locally and globally.

Keywords: Chemical Fertilizer, Determinants, Fertilizer Ban, Mihinthale Divisional Secretariat, Organic Fertilizer, Sri Lanka