Research Articles
Comparative Analysis of Sustainability in Paddy Monoculture and Paddy-Maize Rotation Farming Systems in Sri Lanka
Authors:
S. P. Dissanayake ,
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, LK
About S. P.
Faculty of Agriculture
L. H. P. Gunaratne,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About L. H. P.
Faculty of Agriculture
T. Sivanathewer,
University of Peradeniya, LK
About T.
Faculty of Agriculture
G. A. S. Ginigaddara
Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura, LK
About G. A. S.
Faculty of Agriculture
Abstract
The use of composite indicators is considered to be a unique approach for evaluating the sustainability of farming systems. This study attempted to compare the sustainability of paddy monoculture and paddy-maize rotation farming systems in the Anuradhapura district through developing indicators for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Using a cluster sampling method, 100 farmers randomly from each farming system. Data collected through a pre-tested questionnaire were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. According to the Total Sustainability Index (TSI), 72% of the farmers of paddy monoculture farming systems and 83% of the farmers of paddy-maize rotation farming systems were sustainable with TSI ranging from 0.5 to 1. Regression results revealed that cost of production per acre, off-farm income, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical usage per acre, level of integrated pest management were significantly (p<0.05) influencing on the paddy monoculture farming system; whereas total on-farm income per acre, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical use per acre, level of integrated pest management for paddy-maize rotation farming system were significantly (p<0.05) influencing on the sustainability of paddy-maize rotation system. The study concludes that both the paddy-maize rotation system and paddy monoculture farming system are sustainable while the paddy-maize rotation farming system reflects higher sustainability in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.
How to Cite:
Dissanayake, S.P., Gunaratne, L.H.P., Sivanathewer, T. and Ginigaddara, G.A.S., 2021. Comparative Analysis of Sustainability in Paddy Monoculture and Paddy-Maize Rotation Farming Systems in Sri Lanka. Tropical Agricultural Research, 32(3), pp.265–275. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/tar.v32i3.8490
Published on
30 Jul 2021.
Peer Reviewed
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