Socio-economic factors Influence on farmers’ resilience in Mahaweli System B in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the main social factors behind the withdrawal of young people from agriculture. For this, System B of the Mahaweli Development Program, which was inhabited about 40 years ago, was selected as a population. It was identified as a key area facing this problem. Also selected grounded theory as a base on the research. Currently, three well-populated cities in the region, namely Aralaganwila, Welikanda and Punani, were selected for sampling under the area sampling method. Fourteen permanent residents of the area were interviewed and data collected online under an in-depth interview system (due to restrictions on movement on the Covid-19 epidemic). The data obtained were recorded and analyzed using the excel spreadsheet under the thematic analysis method. Under this, the codes were identified through the color scheme and themes were created. Five main themes were created and thirteen sub themes were identified. Identified themes were Industry becomes unprofitable, Industry becomes unstable, Lack of enough land, Social attitudes towards farming and declining Government Assistance. They said that they did not believe in getting a fixed price for paddy and had to turn to other sources of income, which had led to higher production costs due to higher raw material and higher labor costs, which in turn reduced incomes. Other factors include deforestation by wildlife and pests, lack of manpower and reduced yields due to the use of compost manure. The social stigma attached to farmers, the treat that they are less educated people, and the greater preference of the younger generation for institutional employment are revealed at the community level. Lack of land was also cited as a reason for the youth to move away from farming. Finally, the government's lack of attention and lack of new technological know-how and training also led them to abandon farming. As a solution to this problem, it was recommended to direct the youth to farming in a new way, to improve the status of farmers in the society and to use new machinery and old methods instead of labor. It is also imperative that new lands be identified and given to the youth and that the government provide time and training for the use of compost. Technological methods need to be used to minimize crop damage. It is better to have control over the purchase of paddy by the government.