Year 2016, Volume 1, Issue 3

Year : 2016
Volume : 1
Issue : 3
   
Authors : Ponniah SIVARAJAH, Randima WICKRAMASINGHE
Title : IMPACT OF LAND SIZE ON PRODUCTIVITY, INCOME AND PROFITS FROM PEPPER CULTIVATION IN SRI LANKA
Abstract : Pepper is an important spice crop grown in Matale District of Sri Lanka, for exports and domestic consumption. Varieties of pepper grown are Sri Lankan local variety and ‘Panniyur’. Pepper production had shown variations over the years due to poor management and low productivity. This study analyzed and compared the production levels and costs, income and profitability of pepper cultivation among small and large scale pepper farmers. A stratified random sample of 120 farmers, consisting of 76 small famers (<5 acre farms) and 44 large farmers (>5 acre farms) were selected for study. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and mean comparisons were performed. The average extent of land under pepper cultivation was significantly different (P<0.01) with 3.49 acres for small farms and 8.85 acres for large farms, and 66% of lands were under local pepper varieties. Fertilizer was the only input applied by both group of farmers. The mean yield of pepper was 636 kgs and 560 kgs per acre for small and large farms respectively and did not differ significantly. Mean comparison showed that there was a significant difference (P<0.01) in cost of production, income from pepper sales and profits from pepper between small and large farmers. There were no significant differences in farm gate prices received for raw and processed pepper by small and large scale farmers. It can be concluded that there is significant differences between small and large scale pepper farmers in the extent cultivated, incomes received, cost of production and profits earned, while there is no differences in the prices received for raw and processed pepper.
For citation : Sivarajah, P., Wickramasinghe, R. (2016). Impact of land size on productivity, income and profits from pepper cultivation in Sri Lanka. AGROFOR International Journal, Volume 1. Issue No. 3. pp. 127-132. DOI:10.7251/AGRENG1603127S
Keywords : pepper, productivity, income, profits, Sri Lanka
   
download paper

 

r