Factors Influencing The Selection And Utilization of Vegetable Seeds in ManmunaiI South and Eruvilpattu D.S. Division of Batticaloa

Abstract

Good quality seeds are important for successful vegetable cultivation in Sri Lanka. Proper identificationof agronomic practices currently being adopted by the farmers in selection, utilization and storage of seeds would help to improve that practices. As such, a study was conducted to find the socio economic status, problems and agronomic practices adopted by the vegetable farmers in selection and utilization of seeds in Manmunai South and Eruvil Pattu D. S. division of Batticaloa district. This survey was carried out from April to May 2009 using structured questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed statistically. The results of the survey indicated that, most of the respondents (50%) were only completed primary and intermediate level of education and majority of respondents were (88 %) full time farmers. Higher percentage (96%) of farmers were having own land area for cultivation. Major problems faced by the vegetable farmers were heavy incidence of pests and diseases followed by low profit and low yield. More than 38.5 % of the respondents relied on their own experience to select seeds and 42% of the respondents were using their own seeds for cultivation. They select the crops for seed purpose based on the characteristics like pest and disease resistance (36%), vigour (32%) and high yield (26%). Very few percentage (7%) of farmers purchased seeds from private dealers. When purchasing seeds they gave priority for price (31%). Germination test was being done by 46% of the respondents. Most of the farmers (70%) performed seed treatments before planting such as soaking in water, fungicide treatment etc. Majority of the respondents (60%) stored their seeds at room temperature. In conclusion, most of the farmers in the study area were still using conventional practices in selection, utilization and storage of seeds. Education level of the farmers is also one of the factors, which contributes for this situation. As such, awareness of farmers in Manmunai South and Eruvil Pattu D. S. division of Batticaloa district regarding seeds should be improved to increase their production. Remedial actions should be taken to overcome the problems faced by the vegetable farmers in the study area