Abstract:
Deterioration of land resource in the dry zone is a threat to agricultural production in Sri Lanka especially
the production of coarse grains, pulses and vegetables. Most of the dry zone soils are highly erodible and
rainfalls are more erosive compared to the upcountry rains. Although the problem of soil erosion has been
well recognized in the dry zone and effective conservation measures have been clearly identified, still severe
land degradation is taking place in dry zone farmlands due to unattended soil erosion.
Soil conservation measures have been introduced to dry zone rainfed farmers through the extension arm of
Department of Agriculture, Provincial Departments of Agriculture and almost all the dry zone
development projects implemented during the past. Soil conservation bunds and drains, tree and grass
hedges, mulching, in-situ rainwater harvesting and watershed management programmes are the most
important among them. However, it has now been realized that a more systematic approach is needed to
achieve sustainable production from these lands. Most important steps are: mapping affected areas;
making recommendations; planning and implementation of complete packages of sustainable farming and
awareness creation among the general public on relevant Acts, policies and regulations.
