Prospects for adopting system of rice intensification in Sri Lanka: a socioeconomic assessment

Models / Rice / Paddy fields / Irrigated farming / Rain-fed farming / Poverty / Farmers / Sri Lanka / Ratnapura / Kurunegala / Kalthota Irrigation System

Proceedings of the National Conference on Water, Food Security and Climate Change in Sri Lanka, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9-11 June 2009. Vol. 1. Irrigation for food security

Food security / Climate change / River basins / Water shortage / Irrigated farming / Water quality / Tanks / Aquatic plants / Rice / Food insecurity / Water resource management / Zero tillage / Weed control / Agroforestry / Canals / Surface runoff / Remote sensing / Sri Lanka

Non-user benefits emanating from enhanced water flow to the Yala Protected Area Complex

Water is a multiple use resource. Increasing scarcity and competition from various sectors is an important dimension to be considered in its management. Understanding the value of water to different water uses is, therefore, necessary to assist decision-making in water allocation among sectors. Although water used in agriculture can be valued using production function approaches, such direct valuation methods are not available for the environmental uses of water. This paper uses non-market valuation methods to estimate the economic value of a committed flow through a unique ecosystem, the Yala Protected Area Complex (YPC). The Yala Protected Area Complex is an important wildlife refuge situated in south-eastern Sri Lanka. Its large land extent, undisturbed nature, and abundance and diversity of fauna contribute to its uniqueness. The fact that the YPC is also the most visited national park in Sri Lanka is partially a result of this uniqueness. However, maintenance of the park’s ecosystem depends on the flow of the Menik Ganga. This flow is regulated by the Veheragala Reservoir Project, and there is now discussion of reducing flow into the park by about half of the current level. The proposed plan ensures dry season flow into the YPC and, therefore, has been deemed acceptable. However, there is a possibility that farmers will demand further water releases during the dry season which could in turn endanger the planned downstream water releases. So there is a potential trade-off between environmental and irrigation uses of water. A willingness to pay (WTP) survey was conducted in ten districts in Sri Lanka during the fourth quarter of 2008 to estimate the WTP of the general population of the country towards maintaining this important environmental resource. In the hypothetical market presented, participants were told of the need for financial contributions from the general public to ensure the release of a minimum downstream flow commitment of 50 MCM. Participants were also informed of how this flow would enhance the ecosystem of the YPC. A single bound dichotomous choice contingent valuation approach was used as the elicitation format. Nonobligatory voluntary contributions were solicited towards a trust fund that could be used to ensure release of the required quantity of water downstream during dry months. According to the results of a binary logistic regression, income, age, and religious attachments are important factors affecting the decision to contribute to environmental flow maintenance to the YPC. Sixty-five percent of respondents were willing to pay something to ensure the maintenance of an adequate environmental flow in the YPC. The estimated mean WTP for water releases to enhance the YPC is Sri Lankan Rupees (SLR) 435 per year. Over the requested payment horizon of 10 years, the present value of aggregate WTP from the Sri Lankan population to enhance the ecosystem of the YPC is SLR 12 billion. This quantity greatly surpasses the present value of net benefits from rice farming estimated at SLR 0.64 billion, which would be generated if the same quantity of water was used for irrigation for 10 years (assuming current prices and input intensities). Thus, there is a clear opportunity for national welfare gain by ensuring adequate flow in YPC.Length: pp.37-47Water useMultiple useWildlifeHabitatsEcosystemsIrrigation waterWater allocation

Non-user benefits emanating from enhanced water flow to Yala Protected Area Complex. Abstract only

EcosystemsWater resource managementMultiple useDecision makingWater allocationEnvironmental flows

Mismatch of farmer practices and consumers’ attitudes: The use of chemical pesticides in vegetable production in Sri Lanka

While production of high value vegetables are increasing worldwide, concerns on adverse health and environmental effects of pesticide use in agriculture are also increasing. The concern that farmers use excessive amounts of pesticides leading to health hazards to consumers and pollution of environment through accumulation of excess chemicals in soil and water bodies is common among environmental groups in Sri Lanka too. The objectives of this study were to study trends of pesticide use by vegetable farmers and to understand perceptions and attitudes of urban vegetable consumers on the impact of pesticide use on their health and their awareness on potential remedial measures. Data from seasonal reports of cost of cultivation of agricultural crops were used to analyze changes in pest and disease control practices by farmers. Trends of input use related to pest and disease control were studied using aggregate farm budgets. A primary survey was conducted among 150 semi-urban households to learn about attitudes and perceptions. Findings indicate that the percentage of farmers adopting pest and disease control methods has increased. However, contrary to the popular belief and findings of some studies of overuse of pesticides by farmers, this study reveals that the cost shares, real cost of material, used in pest and disease control in vegetables have declined over time. Consumers in the contrary believe that farmers use excess amounts of pesticides. A contingent valuation survey found that consumers are willing to pay premiums for higher quality vegetables. Although they like to consume pesticide-free vegetables their opinion is that the existing information is insufficient for them to differentiate vegetables during purchasing. The study proposes to develop appropriate extension and action research methods to closely work with farmers to understand and disseminate best practices on environmentally friendly methods of pest control

Willingness to pay for enhancement of natural ecosystems: the case of Yala Protected Area Complex. [Abstract only].

In Wattuhewa, I. D. (Ed.). Annual Symposium 2009, Exploring New Spheres for a Better Future, held at the Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), Ratmalana, Sri Lanka, 4 December 2009. Abstracts of contributed papers. Ratmalana, Sri Lanka: General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Universit

Proceedings of the National Conference on Water, Food Security and Climate Change in Sri Lanka, BMICH, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9-11 June 2009. Vol. 1. Irrigation for food security

This is the first volume on the proceedings of the national conference on ?Water for Food and Environment?, which was held from June 9?11, 2009 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). The volumes two and three have been produced as separate documents of this report series. In response to a call for abstracts, 81 abstracts were received from government institutes dealing with water resources and agriculture development, also from universities, other freelance researchers and researchers from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI).Forty Seven of the eighty-one abstracts that were submitted were accepted for compiling full papers.In the past couple of years the sharp increase in food prices worldwide has raised serious concerns about food security, especially in developing countries. To effectively address these concerns a holistic approach is required that encompasses improved agricultural water productivity, adaptation to climate change, targeted and appropriate institutional and financial measures, and a consideration of environmental issues. The main purpose of the conference was to share experiences in these areas and to find opportunities to improve farmers? incomes and food production, and to promote environmentally sustainable practices in Sri Lanka in the face of growing water scarcity and the challenges of climate change

Prospects for adopting system of rice intensification in Sri Lanka: A socioeconomic assessment

Today, there is an increasing worldwide interest in assessing the potential for maintaining or increasing rice yields by reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals and by decreasing irrigation requirements. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) first developed in Madagascar and now being tested in many countries, is an example of such an approach. The system is based largely on organic farming principles and additional requirements for spacing and the transplanting of seedlings

Prospects for adopting system of rice intensification in Sri Lanka: a socioeconomic assessment

Today, there is an increasing worldwide interest in assessing the potential for maintaining or increasing rice yields by reducing or eliminating the use of chemicals and by decreasing irrigation requirements. The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) first developed in Madagascar and now being tested in many countries, is an example of such an approach. The system is based largely on organic farming principles and additional requirements for spacing and the transplanting of seedlings

Irrigation sector in Sri Lanka: Recent investment trends and the development path ahead

Increasing the area under irrigation and the widespread adoption of seed-fertilizer technology were the major factors that contributed to enhanced rice production in Sri Lanka, enabling the country to achieve self-sufficiency in rice. In recent years, there has been a shift in emphasis from expanding the irrigated land base to enhancing the productivity of irrigated land through diversification of agriculture and improvement of rice production, with better water management in irrigation schemes. This report attempts to assess how the irrigation sector in Sri Lanka is adapting itself to these new challenges. It analyzes the future direction of irrigation in Sri Lanka in light of recent trends in public and private investment in this sphere, and the revolution in groundwater development brought about by the poor performance and gradual deterioration of existing irrigation schemes