http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/682 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:42:09 GMT 2026-04-24T08:42:09Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1015 Implications of Post-Harvest Losses and Acreage Response of Selected UpCountry Vegetables from Nuwara-Eliya District in Sri Lanka on Sustained Food Security Dharmathilake, N.R.D.S; Rosairo, H.S.R; Ayoni, V.D.N; Herath, R.M Purpose: Up-country vegetable sector is sensitive in achieving food security as a prominent sub sector within the Sri Lankan agriculture. But a high post-harvest loss (PHLs) along traditional supply chains and competitiveness of alternative crops are a couple of great challenges on availability of these vegetables. This study estimated PHLs of carrots, cabbage and leeks along the most prominent supply chain from Nuwara-Eliya to Dambulla Dedicated Economic Center followed by an acreage response analysis which has a timely importance. Research Method: The most prominent supply chain in Nuwara-Eliya district which has track record on highest production of up-country vegetables was identifi ed by a pilot test. Multi stage purposive sampling technique was used to track key players and data on estimated PHLs were collected through questionnaire surveys. Acreage response analysis was done by secondary data with the application of Nerlovian expectation model. Findings: Incidence of PHLs of leeks was the highest (44%) and major contributing causes were trimming of lengthier but fresh leaves while bundling followed by mechanical damages. Incidence of PHLs of cabbage was 43% and mainly it was due to trimming of outer leaves. PHLs of carrots (30%) were mainly due to rots and mechanical damages. Acreage response analysis revealed that farmers were responsive to yester year prices of vegetables and potato; an alternative crop. Unit increase of vegetable price can increase the acreage of up-country vegetable by 0.21 hectares while unit increase of potato price can reduce acreage of up-country vegetables by 0.26 hectares. Research Limitations: This study was constrained a little bit by lack of time and logistical limitations. Originality/value: Relationships established between the scale of farming operation and the PHLs was a novel fi nding of this study. PHLs of upcountry vegetables along their common supply chain were also quantifi ed. Policy formulations must be mainly focused on price controlling of vegetable crops to minimize the relative fl uctuations in the extents cultivated and preventing high PHLs which may seriously aff ect food security of the country Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1015 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1006 Mitigating Global Greenhouse Gas Emission: The Role of Trees as a Clean Mechanism For CO2 Sequestration Adiaha, Monday Sunday; Buba, Aisha Haruna; Tangban, Eji Ejor; Okpoho, Andy Nkweamaowo Purpose: Globally, increase in average mean temperature of the earth has been a hindrance to humanhealth development, agricultural productivity including environmental sustainability. The situation is exacerbated by continual/increase in gas fl aring, mismanagement of land that releases nitrous oxide (N2O) including ecological-disturbances and imbalance. To reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emission, especially in low-income regions, then using a bio-approach becomes imperative. Research Method: The work adopted a theoretical approach (data mining), x-raying/amplifying the important role trees plays in our environment towards reducing greenhouse gas emission. Findings: Trees has been found/confi rmed to be able to capture and lock carbon in the form of CO2 in their biomass, thereby helping in reducing the amount of CO2 content in the atmosphere. Findings of this study revealed that trees act as a clean mechanism that can be used, and has been able to reduce CO2 content out of the atmosphere. Several reviewed research fi ndings indicated a signifi cant (p˂0.05) increase in carbon sequestration potential of various tree species. Research Limitations: Field verifi cation for data obtained through data mining was only verifi ed through literature search. Originality/value: The outcome of the study presented a view that trees can statistically act as a clean biological mechanism approach towards environmental, agricultural including human health sustainability in the face of climate change. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/1006 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/990 Climate Change Variability Analysis in and around Jinka, Southern Ethiopia. With Special Emphasis on Temperature and Rainfall Gemeda, D. O Purpose: Climate variability is a serious problem aff ecting the livelihoods of farmers in developing countries particularly those depend on rain fed agriculture. This study was carried out to investigate the extent of climate variability by using temperature and rainfall as key variables. Research Method: In this study the annual rainfall and temperature data of forty six years (1970- 2015) were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, std. error of mean, variance, range, coeffi cient of variation, minimum and maximum values. Findings: The result of the study revealed that monthly rainfall variability was high both in dry month (CV=0.48) and peak rain month (CV=0.51). The result showed that from 1970 to 2015 the annual rainfall increased (R2=0.001) whereas the mean annual maximum and minimum temperature increased by 0.3620c and 0.3360c respectively. The linear trend line analysis shows a slightly increasing average annual rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature. The mean annual temperature of the area varies from a mean minimum of 21.20c, to a maximum of 22.80c with average temperature of 21.63 over the last forty six years. Research Limitations: This research is based on temperature and rainfall data of the study area. Originality: This study has shown rainfall and temperature variability over the last forty six years in Jinka station. In order to manage rainfall and temperature variability related risks, all concerned stakeholders should have to take into consideration for climate variability adaptation and mitigation strategies in order to minimize all potential risks and losses in the future Tue, 03 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/990 2019-09-03T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/986 Eff ect of Nano Calcite Foliar Fertilizer on the Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) Kumara, K.H.C.H.; Wathugala, D.L; Hafeel, R.F; Kumarasinghe, H.K.M.S Purpose: Around the world nano calcite (NC) is used as an environmental friendly foliar fertilizer to enhance yield of many crops. In Sri Lankan context this fertilizer has not yet been tested for crops. Therefore, this study examined the eff ect of foliar application of NC on yield, yield components, seed quality and insect resistivity of rice and the interaction eff ect of NC foliar fertilizer with diff erent rates of soil added fertilizer. Research Method: Field experiments were conducted in 2015/2016 Maha and 2016 Yala seasons at the Regional Rice Research Institute, Ambalanthota, Sri Lanka. The rice variety used for the study was At 362. Four levels of nano calcite (0, 50, 100 and 150ppm) with 3 levels of soil added fertilizers (recommended fertilizer mixture, 25% over and above the recommendation) were tested. Data was collected at 30, 60 and 90 days after transplanting and at the harvesting. Findings: It was found that the application of nano calcite foliar fertilizer has positive eff ects on growth, yield, seed quality and insect resistivity. Hundred ppm nano calcite treatment with recommended soil added fertilizer could increase the fi nal yield approximately about 1 ton/ha. Twenty fi ve percent reduction or increment of soil added fertilizer than the recommended level with the application of nano calcite foliar fertilizer did not showed any signifi cant yield variation. However, higher concentrations of nano calcite greatly reduce the pest damages to the crop. Originality/ value: Results of the experiment revealed that nano calcite foliar application can increase rice yield to a certain extent. However, further experiments need to be done to ensure the sustainability of the application. Tue, 03 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.sab.ac.lk:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/986 2019-09-03T00:00:00Z