Abstract:
Organic farming is an environmentally compatible, ecologically sound and human
and animal friendly production system. It is gaining world-wide attention with its
ability to reduce environmental pollution while enhancing sustainable development
in many aspects. It is obvious that organic farming is capable of reducing the
negative impacts of conventional agriculture on human beings and the environment
while enhancing rural economic development. However, most of the Sri Lankan
farmers (about 85%), are still engaged in conventional or inorganic farming.
Moreover, it is hard to find literature on the farmers’ perception of organic farming
at present. With this kind of context, the study was purposively focused on exploring
the Sri Lankan farmers’ perception of organic farming. Thus, the main objectives of
this research were to investigate the Sri Lankan farmers’ attitude towards organic
agriculture, existing potential and challenges to continue with the organic farming
in Sri Lanka. Badulla and Ratnapura districts were purposely selected as study areas
because of their adaptability to organic farming. A sample of 300 farmers, 150 from
each district was randomly selected to conduct the field survey during July 2017 to
April 2018 while using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Few descriptive
statistical methods were used for the data analysis. Results revealed that the
majority of the farmers (74%) had a significant level of indigenous knowledge about
organic farming which was passed from their parents. As per the mean analysis,
farmers had a positive attitude towards two factors; health enhancing aspects and
environmental protection aspects of organic agriculture. However, they had a
negative attitude towards two factors; the complexity of organic farming and
unavailability of a proper market for organic products. Moreover, the presence of
indigenous knowledge about organic farming including seeds, planting materials
and favorable climatic condition was the main potential while labor intensiveness
and loop holes in quality certifications of organic products were the major
challenges. The study can be concluded as, if necessary conditions are provided to
farmers in these two districts, they can be motivated towards organic farming.
Therefore, promotion of organic farming and sustainable development of these two
districts can be done by developing better marketing facilities for organic products,
providing required facilities for the production of organic food as well as processing
and value addition of organic foods.
