Abstract
The use of composite indicators is considered to be a unique approach for evaluating the sustainability of farming systems. This study attempted to compare the sustainability of paddy monoculture and paddy-maize rotation farming systems in the Anuradhapura district through developing indicators for economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Using a cluster sampling method, 100 farmers randomly from each farming system. Data collected through a pre-tested questionnaire were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative techniques. According to the Total Sustainability Index (TSI), 72% of the farmers of paddy monoculture farming systems and 83% of the farmers of paddy-maize rotation farming systems were sustainable with TSI ranging from 0.5 to 1. Regression results revealed that cost of production per acre, off-farm income, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical usage per acre, level of integrated pest management were significantly (p<0.05) influencing on the paddy monoculture farming system; whereas total on-farm income per acre, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical use per acre, level of integrated pest management for paddy-maize rotation farming system were significantly (p<0.05) influencing on the sustainability of paddy-maize rotation system. The study concludes that both the paddy-maize rotation system and paddy monoculture farming system are sustainable while the paddy-maize rotation farming system reflects higher sustainability in the Anuradhapura district, Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Rice is the staple crop in Sri Lanka
According to the Total Sustainability Index (TSI), 72% of the farmers of paddy monoculture farming systems and 83% of the farmers of paddy-maize rotation farming systems were sustainable with TSI ranging from 0.5 to 1
Regression results revealed that cost of production per acre, off-farm income, distance to public infrastructure, agrochemical usage per acre, level of integrated pest management were significantly (p
Summary
Rice is the staple crop in Sri Lanka. It occupies 34% (0.77 /million ha) of the total cultivated land area in Sri Lanka. As a solution for it, the Food Fertilizer Technology center (FFTc) started a four years project to provide farmers with information on profitable ways in which they can make more intensive use of paddy fields They introduced maize crop to cultivate in the paddy field during their offseason. Dry zone farmers are using paddy-maize rotation farming systems throughout the year as the main solution for the water inadequacy for paddy cultivation. The study will aim to develop various sustainability indicators for paddy monoculture and paddy maize rotational farming systems to assess and forecast the levels of sustainability which will assist in planning strategies to enhance the sustainability of the systems and national policy review/development with three specific objectives; 1). To identify the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in paddy monoculture and paddy- maize rotation farming systems in Anuradhapura district 2). The study will aim to develop various sustainability indicators for paddy monoculture and paddy maize rotational farming systems to assess and forecast the levels of sustainability which will assist in planning strategies to enhance the sustainability of the systems and national policy review/development with three specific objectives; 1). to identify the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in paddy monoculture and paddy- maize rotation farming systems in Anuradhapura district 2). to assess overall sustainability of paddy monoculture and paddymaize rotation farming system 3). to explore the factors affecting the sustainability of paddy monoculture and paddy-maize rotation farming system in Anuradhapura district
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