An investigative study on the knowledge of growers for the management of caterpillar damage in Coconut cultivation; Based on Kithagama Grama Niladhari Division of Kobeigane Divisional Secretariat.

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.