Abstract:
The origin of Coconut cultivation dates back to the past. With the introduction
of the open economic policy in 1977, the expansion of export potential has
made coconut a major export crop. At present, the variation in coconut
production and the increase in pest damage can be identified. Coconut growers
have been educated by coconut-based institutions. But it does not appear to be
going well. So what is the knowledge of growers on the management of
caterpillar damage in coconut cultivation? is the research problem. The main
objective of this research is to identify the knowledge of the coconut growers
on the management of caterpillar damage. Kithagama Grama Niladhari
Division of Kobeigane division was selected as a study area, the experiment
sample is 50 caterpillar -damaged coconut cultivators. This was done based on
primary and secondary data. In the primary data collection techniques such as
questionnaires, interviews, and fieldwork were used. The statistical method,
GIS and MS Excel software were used to analyze the data. As a result, growers
had minimal knowledge of the management of caterpillar damage in coconut
cultivation. It was found that with the decrease in education, there is a lack of
understanding of how to manage the damage. Those who have secondary and
higher educational qualifications from growers are willing to manage this
damage in any way, biological, chemical or any other. They have a positive
attitude to management this damage. It can reduce the caterpillar damage by
introducing proper guidance to growers.
