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M.T.N. Fernando
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ADOPTION OF COCONUT-BASED INTERCROPPING SYSTEMS IN SRI LANKA: THE FALLACY OF CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ON ECONOMIC PROFITABILITY M.T.N. Fernando; M. E. Daw; I. E. Edward
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 16 No 02 (2000): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v16i02.340

Abstract

Despite the concerted efforts of successive governments in Sri Lanka to popularize coconut-based intercropping (CBI) systems, an intensive land use alternative to traditional less intensive coconut monocropping, its adoption by farmers is as low as 25% of the agronomically potential area of 100,000 ha. Although the adoption of an innovation is influenced by a range of determinants which can be broadly categorized as technical, economic, institutional and personal/social, economic profitability of the technology itself is one of the key determinants influencing its adoption. This study assesses the economics of widely practiced five different CBI systems vis-a-vis coconut monocropping, employing five economic indicators, namely Total Gross Margin (TGM), Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), returns to labor and returns to capital. Data were collected by a field survey of 113 intercroppers and 37 monocroppers conducted from March to May 1995 in three main coconut growing districts in Sri Lanka, namely: Gampaha; Kurunegala; and, Puttalam. Results revealed that all the CBI systems give higher returns per hectare than coconut monocrops, though some of the indicators, namely BCR and returns to variable costs, are reasonably attractive for monocrop coconuts, albeit they are less than for some CBI systems. The study concluded that the low rate of adoption of CBI systems is not a problem of low profitability. Hence, it is worthwhile to explore the other factors typically influencing the adoption of production technologies to find out the reasons for low adoption of CBI
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PRODUCTIVITY OF COCONUT ESTATES T.S.G. Peiris; M.T.N. Fernando; U.P. de S. Waidayanatha
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 17 No 02 (2001): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v17i02.351

Abstract

The yield gap between the potential and actual productivity has been widening in coconut estates (>9 ha) over the years. Among many reasons, the non-adoption and incorrect adoption of recommended agronomic and crop management practices on coconut cultivation have largely contributed to this yield gap. A survey carried out by the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) indicated that the lack of competent caretakers to correctly implement the crop management practices is a major reason to the yield gap and that there is an urgent demand for trained Farm Managers. Eight percent of the estates was identified as ‘poor’ with respect to the nut yield and the standard of the management practice adopted. Majority of both proprietors and caretakers (75%) was not satisfied with the productivity of their estates. The performance of the estates was significantly associated with the land suitability class of coconut and the uses of recommend practices. About 75% of the caretakers had not received any training on coconut cultivation. According to the perception of the proprietors, males between 25-30 years of age are the best group to be trained as Farm Managers. The training course should include theory and practice on all aspects of coconut cultivation, intercropping, animal production, labour management, accounting procedures in estates, and the use of agricultural machinery.
FARMERS’ PERCEPTIONS ON EXPANSION OF A NEW TECHNOLOGY: THE CASE OF COCONUT-BASED INTERCROPPING IN SRI LANKA M.T.N. Fernando; M.E. Daw; I.E. Edwards
International Coconut Community Journal Vol 19 No 01 (2003): CORD
Publisher : International Coconut Community

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37833/cord.v19i01.367

Abstract

Monocropping, the widely practiced traditional coconut cultivation system in Sri Lanka, utilizes bio-physical resources sub optimally, generating low returns to growers than its potential under an intensive cultivation alternative, coconut-based intercropping (CBI). Despite concerted efforts of successive governments, the adoption of CBI systems by farmers is low. This study investigates the farmers' perceptions of CBI on the premise that the understanding of farmers’ perceptions of a new technology is important to identify the causes for the low adoption of that technology. Data were gathered by a field survey of 113 and 37 intercroppers and monocroppers respectively, in three main coconut-growing districts, namely Kurunegala, Gampaha and Puttalam, using a structured questionnaire supplemented with open-ended questions, through a single visit. Percentage analysis supplemented with a simple scoring device was employed to analyze the farmer's perceptions of CBI. Intercroppers objectives of intercropping, the constraints they face in expanding intercropping, reasons for non-adoption of CBI by present monocroppers and the suggestions of present intercroppers to further expand the CBI, all in the order of importance, are presented.
Co-Authors I. E. Edward I.E. Edwards M. E. Daw M.E. Daw T.S.G. Peiris U.P. de S. Waidayanatha