FACTORS INFLUENCING YIELD OF MAIZE PRODUCTION: A STUDY IN ANURADHAPURA AND MONERAGALA DISTRICTS

Abstract

The Agricultural sector plays a vital role in the Sri Lankan economy with maize being the second most abundant cereal crop. Sri Lanka cultivates maize over 70000 ha of land extent. However, the local maize production amount is not fulfilling the local requirements, the government imported maize from the other maize exporters. Over the last decade maize production has been highly fluctuating. Being an essential cereal crop, ingredient and food item for both humans and livestock the sector needs attention to develop further. Therefore, this research was designed to find out factors that affect maize production fluctuation in major key producing areas of Anuradhapura and Moneragala Districts. Eventually, the study provides suggestions to expand the maize farming sector. A multi-stage cluster sampling procedure was applied to select the sample being 200 maize farmers while primary data was collected through a pretested structured questionnaire. A multiple linear regression was employed to reach the main objective. Results showed that farmer age and experience, temperature, soil, availability of extension officers, loan, land type, training program and land extent also positively and significantly influenced maize production. Minor irrigation and pest control were negatively and significantly influenced the maize production. Government policymakers should take into consideration access to irrigation, training on maize farming, supply infrastructure facilities, price controls and government subsidies are necessary for further improvement of maize production in study areas.