SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF TRANSPLANT OF RICE IN SRI LANKA

Although the farmers were convinced of the benefits of transplanting over broadcasting some were reluctant to practice the same. This paper attempted to examine the impact of some socioeconomic factors on transplanting of rice in Sri Lanka. Field investigation were perform in the Kegalle district, Sri Lanka.

Results show that family size, availability of hired labour, credit, experience in paddy farming and income as a major determinants of the adoption of transplanting. The significant associations between transplanting and hired labour, income and credit facilities indicate that the farmers at the lower end of the income spectrum would be seriously affected. Therefore, in order to reach the neutrality in the scale of operation, some strategies to offset risk and to improve marketing, credit and extension services have to be implemented.