A Study of Modern Trends in Traditional Farming Methods of Paddy Cultivation

Abstract

Rice is main food as well as paddy cultivation is the major agriculture cultivation in Sri Lanka. Currently, around 807,763 hectares of land cultivated in Sri Lanka for paddy, 64% is cultivated in Maha season while 35% is cultivated in Yala season. Modern agricultural methods in the paddy sector were supported by the new and improved high yielding rice varieties, machineries, Pesticides and weedicides, Inorganic fertilizer. It was revealed that the modern paddy farming methods are prone to issues. Several problems were associated with modern rice cultivation, these crops were more susceptible to pest and disease attacks. Further, crop suffering from micronutrient deficiencies such as whitening, yellowing and retardation of growth. This research intends to identify and analyze the new trends of traditional farming practices on paddy cultivation. Information gathered through conducting interviews with total of 100 farmers in four paddy cultivation areas in Sri Lanka and utilized by case study and observation. Secondary data collected from books, articles, relevant websites and other relevant documents. Collected data analyzed by descriptive and advance research methods. Traditional farming method such as rituals and spiritual practices, Pirith, Suthra and Gatha.Kem methods, organic fertilizers, traditional rice varieties have identified as the success traditional agricultural practices for pest and diseases control as well as the high yield, increased production, profitability, etc.As well as the research was revealed that modern industrial farmers trend to use traditional farming methods for three reasons. They are, to restrict long term side effects inherited from the modern methods, as an ecofriendly agricultural practice and health and nutrition purposes