How productive are rice farmers in Sri Lanka? The impact of resource accessibility, seed sources and varietal diversification

Abstract

This paper assesses the impact of resource accessibility, seed sources and varietal diversification on the production efficiency of Sri Lankan rice growers using farm and household level survey data. The empirical results show that there are opportunities for average Sri Lankan rice farmers to further improve production efficiency by up to 30%. Among the variables, those related to resource accessibility, age, migration, income sources and agricultural training are all found to affect production efficiency. Furthermore, we find that households relying only on their own saved seeds are less efficient compared to those who had purchased seeds from markets. In addition, this study indicates that varietal diversification significantly reduces production efficiency.

Rice farmers’ preferences for seed quality, packaging, and source: A study from northern Bangladesh

“…Research on the theme of climate change and seed production mainly explored how climate-induced stress changes the farmers’ perception and influences the seed channel transition, as well as the impact of climate factors on seed production and quality [ 22 , 49 , 50 ]. In the theme of seed quality and farmers’ efficiency, studies center around the impact of seed enterprises and seed sources on agricultural outcomes [ 51 , 52 ]. Few focused on the role of social capital by fostering trust and cooperation among local farmers to enhance access to quality seeds, as well as enhance community resilience [ 51 , 52 ].…”

“…In the theme of seed quality and farmers’ efficiency, studies center around the impact of seed enterprises and seed sources on agricultural outcomes [ 51 , 52 ]. Few focused on the role of social capital by fostering trust and cooperation among local farmers to enhance access to quality seeds, as well as enhance community resilience [ 51 , 52 ]. Furthermore, Thapa et al [ 53 ] studied the impact of knowledge dissemination in increasing sales and acceptance of promoted cultivars within the agricultural community.…”

“…Suresh et al [51] 33 Training and knowledge dissemination Nepal Impact of traders' meetings (TMs) to promote new rice varieties…”

“…capital by fostering trust and cooperation among local farmers to enhance access to quality seeds, as well as enhance community resilience [51,52]. Furthermore, Thapa et al [53] studied the impact of knowledge dissemination in increasing sales and acceptance of promoted cultivars within the agricultural community.…”

Evaluation of Kartepe Village Production Patterns and Farmer Profiles

“…(Kruskal-Wallis H statistic) [38]. The obtained results of another study demonstrated that the variables (migration status, income sources, training, number of varieties, seed sources, types of varieties) included in the technical efficiency model are important in explaining the levels and variations in agricultural production in Sri Lanka [39]. The results of the Kruskal-Wallis test indicate that the perceived level of poultry farmers and interest in the COVID-19 pandemic according to age, gender, educational status, training in poultry farming, and experience of the poultry farmers and types of poultry farming were highly significant at 1% and 5% [40].…”