Indigenous techniques used in rice cultivation in Sri Lanka: An analysis from an agricultural history perspective

Abstract

This study attempted to identify indigenous techniques in rice farming with aim of understanding the sustainable principles of these techniques that can be adopted to overcome the problems in modern agriculture. The data for the analysis were obtained through interviews with farmers and key informants, focus group discussions, and field observations carried out in a historically important rice-growing area, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Padaviya</i> Irrigation System area, from June to October 2012. The survey of farmers covered 60 farmers scattered throughout the area. The farmers were selected by employing purposive sampling method in order to capture the farmers, who have experience with indigenous techniques. The results indicated that the indigenous techniques in rice farming corresponded to the natural features of the region, including the rainfall patterns, soil conditions, temperature, and humidity. The techniques are entirely dependent on local resources, which are recognized based on the historical experiences of the local population. Cultivation based on rainfall patterns and the lunar calendar and adopted techniques in soil fertility management, seed selection, seed treatment, water management, and pest and disease control techniques provide highly sustainable method as alternatives to the modern high external input-based techniques. Indeed, decision making based on rainfall patterns and the lunar calendar avoids possible risk in rice farming. These techniques are not harmful to the environment and thus can maintain the long-term production sustainability of rice farming. This study indicates the importance of taking into account the historical experience and knowledge of the local population in the revitalization of the rice sector in Sri Lanka.