Ground level impediments for proper adoption of rubber cultivation in Northern Province of Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka has taken a decision to expand the rubber cultivation to non-traditional areas with drier climates in the country. With the success of rubber cultivation in the Uva and Eastern Provinces, the Northern Province has been the next focus in the expansion process. Despite the evidence of having reasonable growth and acceptable climatic conditions in this region, rubber cultivation has only been successful in Vavuniya district. Therefore, the present study was conducted in Vavuniya, Mullaithivu and Kilinochchi districts in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka to identify possible socio economic, cultural and agronomic limitations affecting the adoption of rubber cultivation. Further, it was expected to identify farmer perceptions on the promotion of expansion process. All farmers with successful rubber cultivation in each district were selected along with similar numbers of unsuccessful farmers and farmers who are willing to cultivate rubber. Factors affecting the success of the rubber cultivation were determined using logistic regression method. Proficiency in Sinhala language, usage of mulch at early stage of rubber plants, affiliation to social organizations and availability of water source were identified as factors significantly contributed to the success of rubber cultivation. The study concludes that success of rubber cultivation in Northern Province of Sri Lanka depends mainly on communication efficiency between Sinhalese officers and Tamil farmers and usage of moisture conservation practices at the early stage of growth of rubber plants. Although many farmers failed in rubber cultivation, their perception on cultivating rubber is one of optimism, demanding organizational support for initial establishment. Involvement of government and non-government organizations and social interactions among farmer communities are required in such attempt.