Paddy Cultivation in Anuradhapura District

Content
01.Introduction
02.Present Status
Cultivation in MT
Total Requirement
If Deficit – Suggestions to Overcome
Excess – Marketing Plan to Sell
03.Emerging Technologies Available for Enhance the Yield
04.Information System Needs
01. Introduction

1.1 Paddy Production in Sri Lanka

Rice production stands as a cornerstone of Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape, constituting

both a primary industry and a fundamental element of the nation's dietary fabric. The
significance of rice is underscored by its role as the staple food for a substantial portion of the
population, with 21.8 million Sri Lankans relying on it for sustenance. This vital crop,
intertwined with the livelihoods of over 1.8 million farmers, engages more than 30 percent of
the total labor force in the country. The intricate web of dependencies extends to factors like
annual per capita consumption, which stood at 92 kg in 1998, hinging on domestic paddy
production and the pricing dynamics of imported wheat flour. In the annals of Sri Lanka's
agricultural narrative, the year 1998 witnessed a substantial production of 2.69 million MT of
rough rice (paddy), representing a commendable 96 percent of the national demand.
However, against the backdrop of a population growth rate of 1.2 percent, a modest increase
in per capita consumption, and considerations for seed requirements and handling wastage,
projections point to a need for 3.1 million MT of paddy by the year 2020. Meeting this
demand necessitates a forward-looking strategy, with the national average yield anticipated to
rise to 4.1 t/ha. This imperative trajectory is not merely a statistical target; it represents a
concerted effort to ensure food security and sustain the burgeoning population of Sri Lanka.
The geographical expanse of rice cultivation spans all districts of Sri Lanka, unfolding across
two distinct monsoon seasons known as Maha and Yala. The nomenclature itself encapsulates
the essence of these agricultural cycles: Maha, translating to 'bigger' in Sinhala, spans from
September to March, aligning with the North-east monsoon, while Yala, meaning 'lesser,'
unfolds from May to August. Approximately 708,000 hectares (1,750,000 acres) of land are
dedicated to paddy cultivation, underlining the scale and importance of this agricultural
enterprise in shaping the socio-economic fabric of the nation.

1.2 Estimation of the paddy production in Sri Lanka

Paddy production and consumption in Sri Lanka

Estimated net paddy production was 4,710,211 metric tons in the year 2021 and the
availability of raw rice is around 3,202,944 metric tons including post- harvest loss for human
consumptions as food, beverages and other industrial usage. Per capita rice supply per year
was 114 Kg according to the latest figures of the Food Balance Sheet with the imported
amount of rice. However, the average per capita rice consumption was estimated as 104.5 Kg
per year by the Income and Expenditure Survey in Sri Lanka that has been done for the same
period.

Paddy cultivation by administrative district in Sri Lanka

Paddy cultivation by administrative districts in Sri Lanka is given in the following table. The area of
the paddy tracks which have been cultivated at least one cultivated season within last five-year
period is identified as asweddumized paddy field. There were 859514 hectares of asweddumized
paddy lands as 1738472 parcels all over the country. The most prominent district for paddy
cultivation is Anuradhapura district and it was 15.3 percent of the total paddy land area (see Table
2.1). Kurunegala and Ampara districts were following the Anuradhapura district as second and third
districts, but the highest number of paddy parcels has been reported in Kurunegala district and it
was 343659 parcels. Batticaloa and Polonnaruwa district were to be also conspicuous for paddy
cultivation and percentages of the land areas were 8.3 and 8.2 of the total asweddumized area
respectively. The total land areas of those five districts were also comparatively higher than the other
districts of the country (see Figure 2.1 below).
1.3 Mode of irrigation for cultivation

Water supply for the cultivation is very essential factor. The water supply should be
systematically controlled at each stage of the paddy cultivation from broadcasting to
harvesting of the paddy. The paddy cultivation is done under three types of irrigation modes
in Sri Lanka namely major, minor and rainfed. The paddy cultivation is totally performed by
the rain fall water under the rainfed irrigation mode and it is very famous in wet zone of the
country but somewhat difficult to control the water supply to the paddy field by this method.
If it is available a water tank (Wewa) or reservoir to supply water with formal controlling
system for the paddy field and the capacity of the water tank is sufficient only for less than
200 acres of paddy land area cultivation, then it is called minor irrigation mode. Therefore,
the water tanks and reservoirs those can be supplied water for the cultivation greater than or
equals to 200 acres of paddy land is identified as major irrigation mode.

Boundaries of the systematic administrative system of the country are illustrated in the
following charts and sampling procedures can be easily explained by using these three charts.
The Anuradhapura district that is most prominent to the paddy cultivation is taken to explain
the cultivation pattern with hypothetically designed irrigated regions. The Anuradhapura
district map is given in the following Figure 2.2.

Distribution of the irrigation modes of Horowpathana Divisional Secretariat in Anuradhapura

District is illustrated in Figure 2.3 below.
1.4 Paddy Cultivation in Anuradhapura District

There are 23922 hectares of irrigated paddy lands, 5668 hectares of minor irrigated paddy
lands, 3365 hectares of rain fed paddy lands and 21850 hectares of upland lands in
Anuradhapura Inter Provincial area. This office implements agro-extension programs and
agro-development programs for 54734 farming families who cultivate in these lands. 156
major Irrigation Farmers’ Associations and 229 Minor Irrigation Farmers’ Associations are
operated in the area.

02. Present Status of the Paddy Cultivation in Anuradhapura District

2.1 Paddy Cultivation in MT

The sown extent under paddy cultivation during 2020/2021 Maha season was 770,240
hectares. Out of which 352,875 hectares (45.8%) was reported under major irrigation
schemes, 196,722 hectares (25.5%) under minor schemes and 220,643 hectares (28.7%)
under rainfed. The largest extent of paddy cultivated was reported in Anuradhapura District,
(112,549 hectares) which is 14.6% of the total extent of paddy cultivated in the country. The
harvested extent during this season was estimated to be 762,411 hectares and it is about 99%
of the sown extent.

The sown extent under paddy cultivation during 2021 Yala season was 501,467 hectares. Out
of which 310,669 hectares (62.0%) was reported under major irrigation schemes, 124,507
hectares (24.8%) under minor schemes and 66,291 hectares (13.2%) under rainfed. The
largest extent of paddy cultivated was reported in Kurunegala District, (68,573 hectares)
which is 13.7% of the total extent of paddy cultivated in the country. The harvested extent
during this season was estimated to be 496,761 hectares and it is about 99% of the sown
extent.

Average Yield

The average yield of paddy estimated for 2020/2021 Maha season was 4,307kg per net
hectare. The highest average yield of 5,883 kg per net hectare was reported during this season
from Hambantota District. The next highest average yields were reported from Matale (5,669
kg per net hectare), Mannar (5,228 kg per net hectare), Polonnaruwa (5,220 kg per net
hectare) and Anuradhapura (5,098 kg per net hectare) districts during the 2020/2021 Maha
season.

The average yield of paddy estimated for 2021 yala season was 4,309kg per net hectare. The
highest average yield of 5,814kg per net hectare was reported during this season from
Hambantota District. The next highest average yields were reported from Vavuniya (5,638 kg
per net hectare), Polonnaruwa (5,441kg per net hectare), Mulativu (5,287kg per net hectare)
and Trincomalee (5,267kg per net hectare) districts during the 2021 yala season.

Production

The estimated paddy production for 2020/2021 Maha season was 3,061,394 metric tons. The
highest production of 460,585 metric tons of paddy was estimated from Anuradhapura
District. Paddy production in Anuradhapura District was accounted for 15% of paddy
production of the country. The next higher contribution to the total paddy production of the
country from Ampara, Polonnaruwa, Kurunegala, Batticaloa and Hambantota Districts were
estimated 12%, 10% , 9%, 7% and 6% respectively during the 2020/2021 Maha season.

The estimated paddy production for 2021 yala season was 2,088,202 metric tons. The highest
production of 313,708 Metric tons of paddy was estimated from Ampara District. Paddy
production in Ampara District was accounted for 15% of paddy production of the country.
The next higher contribution to the total paddy production of the country from Polonnaruwa,
Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Hambantota and Trincomalee Districts were estimated 14%,
13%, 11%, 8% and 6% respectively during the 2021 Yala season.
2.2 Total Requirement in MT

2.3 If Deficit – Suggestions to Overcome

1. Water Scarcity:
 Deficit: Limited water availability, especially during certain seasons, can affect paddy
cultivation.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Implement efficient water management practices.
 Explore and promote rainwater harvesting techniques.
 Invest in modern irrigation systems to optimize water use.
2. Outdated Agricultural Practices:
 Deficit: Reliance on traditional farming methods may hinder productivity.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Encourage farmers to adopt modern agricultural techniques.
 Provide training and workshops on advanced cultivation practices.
 Promote the use of improved seed varieties and organic farming methods.
3. Pest and Disease Management:
 Deficit: Paddy fields may be vulnerable to pests and diseases, impacting yields.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Implement integrated pest management strategies.
 Educate farmers on early detection and control measures.
 Provide access to safe and effective pesticides.
4. Lack of Access to Technology:
 Deficit: Limited access to modern agricultural technology.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Facilitate technology transfer programs.
 Establish agricultural extension services for knowledge dissemination.
 Provide subsidies or financial assistance for farmers to acquire modern
equipment.
5. Market Access and Pricing:
 Deficit: Challenges in accessing markets and obtaining fair prices for paddy.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Develop market linkages and cooperative systems.
 Advocate for fair pricing policies.
 Establish market information systems to help farmers make informed
decisions.
6. Climate Change Impact:

 Deficit: Unpredictable weather patterns affecting cultivation cycles.

  Suggestions to Overcome:
 Promote climate-resilient crop varieties.
 Provide weather forecasting services to help farmers plan.
 Encourage the adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture
practices.
7. Limited Financial Resources:
 Deficit: Lack of financial resources for investment in modern farming practices.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Facilitate access to agricultural loans and credit.
 Establish financial support programs for small-scale farmers.
 Encourage collaboration with financial institutions and NGOs.
8. Educational Gaps:
 Deficit: Limited awareness and knowledge among farmers about best practices.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Conduct regular training programs and workshops.
 Establish farmer field schools for experiential learning.
 Create awareness campaigns on new technologies and sustainable practices.
9. Land Degradation:
 Deficit: Soil fertility loss due to overuse or improper land management.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Promote sustainable land management practices.
 Encourage crop rotation and cover cropping.
 Provide farmers with soil testing services and recommendations.
10. Policy Support:
 Deficit: Lack of supportive policies for sustainable agriculture.
 Suggestions to Overcome:
 Advocate for policies that incentivize sustainable practices.
 Collaborate with policymakers to address the specific needs of local farmers.
 Establish a feedback mechanism for farmers to contribute to policy
discussions.
These suggestions aim to address various deficits in paddy cultivation in Anuradhapura
District. It's important to tailor these recommendations based on the specific context and
challenges faced by local farmers in the region. Collaboration between farmers, government
agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders is crucial for implementing effective solutions.

2.4 Excess – Marketing Plan to Sell

Anuradhapura District faces a surplus in paddy production due to favorable agricultural
conditions.

1. Market Analysis:

 Analysis: Identify local and regional demand, pricing trends, and consumer
preferences for paddy.
 Answer: Understand the current market demand, explore potential buyers, and assess
pricing dynamics to develop an effective marketing strategy.

2. Storage and Preservation:

 Strategy: Implement efficient storage methods to maintain paddy quality.

 Answer: Invest in proper storage facilities to preserve the quality of excess paddy,
ensuring it remains marketable over time.

3. Value Addition:

 Approach: Explore value addition through rice milling, packaging, and branding.
 Answer: Consider establishing a rice milling facility to process excess paddy,
enhancing its market value with branded packaging.

4. Diversification:

 Recommendation: Diversify into rice-based products to meet diverse consumer

preferences.
 Answer: Explore opportunities to produce additional rice-based products, adding
value to the surplus and expanding market reach.

5. Market Linkages:

 Action: Build strong links with wholesalers, retailers, and processors for efficient
distribution.
 Answer: Establish partnerships with key players in the supply chain to facilitate the
smooth flow of excess paddy into the market.

6. Contract Farming:

 Consideration: Explore contract farming to ensure a consistent market for surplus

paddy.
  Answer: Engage in contract farming agreements with agribusinesses or processors to
secure a stable market for the excess harvest.

7. Quality Certification:

 Initiative: Obtain quality certifications to meet market standards.

 Answer: Work towards obtaining recognized quality certifications to enhance the
marketability of excess paddy.

8. Export Opportunities:

 Exploration: Investigate opportunities for exporting excess paddy to international

markets.
 Answer: Collaborate with export agencies, ensuring compliance with international
standards for exporting surplus paddy.

9. Cooperative Marketing:

 Collaboration: Collaborate with farmers' cooperatives for joint marketing efforts.

 Answer: Join or establish farmer cooperatives to collectively market excess paddy,

improving bargaining power.

10. Promotional Activities:

 Strategy: Engage in promotional activities to create awareness about locally produced

paddy.
 Answer: Implement promotional campaigns through various channels to highlight the
quality and availability of excess paddy.

11. Government Support:

 Advocacy: Advocate for government support in terms of subsidies and market

infrastructure.
 Answer: Engage with government agencies to seek support and advocate for policies
benefiting local farmers in marketing their excess paddy.

12. Market Intelligence:

  Implementation: Develop a system for gathering market intelligence for informed
decision-making.
 Answer: Invest in tools or collaborate with organizations for regular market analysis,
adjusting strategies based on market trends.

13. Educational Programs:

 Initiative: Conduct educational programs on effective marketing strategies.

 Answer: Organize workshops to educate farmers on modern marketing techniques and
adapting to changing market dynamics.

14. Flexible Pricing Strategies:

 Adaptation: Implement flexible pricing strategies based on market demand.

 Answer: Adjust pricing strategies based on demand fluctuations, offering incentives
for bulk purchases.

15. Supply Chain Collaboration:

 Partnership: Collaborate with stakeholders in the supply chain for efficient marketing.
 Answer: Build strong partnerships with logistics providers for efficient transportation
and streamline the supply chain for excess paddy.

03. Emerging Technologies Available for Enhance the Yield

1. Precision Farming:

Precision farming involves using technologies like GPS, sensors, and data analytics to
optimize various aspects of paddy cultivation, including precise seeding, fertilizer
application, and irrigation. This precision ensures resources are used efficiently, leading to
enhanced paddy yield.

2. Smart Irrigation Systems:

Smart irrigation systems utilize sensors and automated controls to deliver the right amount of
water to paddy fields. By ensuring optimal soil moisture levels, these systems contribute to
improved water efficiency and increased paddy yield.

3. Remote Sensing Technology:

Remote sensing technologies, such as satellite imagery and drones, provide valuable data on
crop health, pest infestations, and overall field conditions. Farmers can make informed
decisions based on this data, leading to better management practices and higher paddy yields.

4. Internet of Things (IoT) in Agriculture:

IoT devices in agriculture include sensors and actuators that collect and exchange data. In
paddy cultivation, these devices can monitor soil conditions, temperature, and humidity,
enabling farmers to optimize growing conditions and enhance yield.

5. Drones in Agriculture:

Drones offer aerial views of paddy fields, allowing for quick and accurate assessments. They
can be used for crop monitoring, early pest detection, and mapping, contributing to more
efficient farming practices and increased paddy yield.

6. Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering:

Biotechnology and genetic engineering play a role in developing high-yielding paddy

varieties with traits such as resistance to pests and diseases. These advanced crop varieties
contribute to increased overall paddy production.

7. Data Analytics for Decision-Making:

Data analytics tools process large datasets related to weather, soil conditions, and historical
crop performance. Farmers can use this information to make informed decisions, leading to
improved agricultural practices and higher paddy yield.

8. Climate-Smart Agriculture:

Climate-smart agriculture practices involve adapting to changing climate conditions. This

may include selecting resilient crop varieties, adjusting planting times, and implementing
sustainable practices to ensure consistent paddy yields despite climate challenges.

04. Information System Needs

1. Crop Management Information System:

Explanation: A comprehensive information system that tracks various aspects of crop
management, including planting schedules, crop health monitoring, fertilization, and pest
control. This system assists farmers in making informed decisions throughout the crop cycle.
2. Weather Information System:
Explanation: An information system that provides real-time weather updates and forecasts
specific to the Anuradhapura District. This assists farmers in planning agricultural activities,
irrigation scheduling, and mitigating risks associated with adverse weather conditions.
3. Soil Health Monitoring System:
Explanation: A system that assesses soil conditions, including nutrient levels and moisture
content. By integrating soil health data, farmers can optimize fertilization practices and
ensure the soil is conducive to high paddy yields.
4. Market Information System:
Explanation: An information system that aggregates market data, including prices, demand
trends, and supply chain information. Farmers can use this data to make strategic decisions on
when and where to sell their paddy, maximizing profits.
5. Water Management Information System:
Explanation: A system that monitors and manages water resources for paddy fields. This
includes tracking water levels, scheduling irrigation, and promoting water conservation
practices to optimize water usage in paddy cultivation.
6. Pest and Disease Monitoring System:
Explanation: An information system that tracks pest and disease prevalence in paddy fields.
Early detection and timely intervention strategies can be implemented based on this data to
minimize crop losses and protect yields.
7. Financial Management System:
Explanation: A system that helps farmers manage their finances related to paddy cultivation.
This includes budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning to ensure cost-effective and
sustainable farming practices.
8. Educational and Advisory Information System:
Explanation: An information system that delivers educational content and agricultural
advisory services to farmers. This could include best practices, training modules, and
advisory messages to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills in paddy cultivation.
9. Supply Chain Management System:
Explanation: A system that integrates various elements of the paddy supply chain, from
production to distribution. This helps streamline the flow of goods and information,
improving overall efficiency and reducing wastage.
Conclusion

The paddy cultivation landscape in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka, holds significant
importance as a key contributor to the nation's agricultural and economic fabric. The intricate
web of dependencies on rice as a staple food for a substantial portion of the population,
engaging over 1.8 million farmers, emphasizes the need for a forward-looking strategy to
meet the growing demand for paddy. As of the latest data available in 2021, the estimated net
paddy production in Sri Lanka was 4,710,211 metric tons, with Anuradhapura District
contributing significantly to both Maha and Yala seasons.

The district's cultivation patterns, with 23922 hectares of irrigated paddy lands, 5668 hectares
of minor irrigated paddy lands, 3365 hectares of rainfed paddy lands, and 21850 hectares of
upland lands, showcase the diversity and scale of paddy cultivation. The sown extent and
harvested extent during the 2020/2021 Maha and 2021 Yala seasons, along with the average
yields, provide insights into the productivity of different districts.

While Anuradhapura District exhibits impressive paddy production figures, challenges persist
in the cultivation process. The identified deficits include water scarcity, outdated agricultural
practices, pest and disease management, limited access to technology, market access and
pricing issues, climate change impact, limited financial resources, educational gaps, and land
degradation. Addressing these challenges is crucial to sustain and enhance paddy cultivation
in the district.

To overcome deficits, a multifaceted approach is recommended, encompassing efficient water

management practices, adoption of modern agricultural techniques, integrated pest
management, technology transfer programs, market linkages, climate-resilient crop varieties,
and supportive policies. Collaborative efforts involving farmers, government agencies,
NGOs, and other stakeholders are essential for successful implementation.

On the flip side, Anuradhapura District faces an excess in paddy production, necessitating a
robust marketing plan. The marketing strategy includes market analysis, storage and
preservation measures, value addition through rice milling, diversification into rice-based
products, market linkages, contract farming, quality certification, export opportunities,
cooperative marketing, promotional activities, government support, market intelligence,
educational programs, flexible pricing strategies, and supply chain collaboration. These
measures aim to capitalize on the surplus, ensuring it reaches markets efficiently and
contributes to the economic well-being of farmers.

Moreover, the integration of emerging technologies for enhanced yield, such as precision
farming, smart irrigation systems, remote sensing technology, IoT in agriculture, drones,
biotechnology, genetic engineering, data analytics, and climate-smart agriculture practices, is
imperative. These technologies offer opportunities to optimize resource use, monitor crop
health, and adapt to changing climatic conditions, contributing to sustainable and high-
yielding paddy cultivation.

To support these efforts, specific information system needs are identified, including crop
management, weather monitoring, soil health assessment, market information, water
management, pest and disease monitoring, financial management, educational and advisory
services, and supply chain management. Implementing these information systems will
empower farmers with data-driven decision-making capabilities and streamline various
aspects of paddy cultivation.