Production and Marketing Policies in Paddy Sector in Sri Lanka: The Farmer Perceptions

Abstract

Farmer perceptions on existing agricultural policy framework in Sri Lanka were explored with a special attention to those policies related to paddy production and marketing. Data were collected from the farmers belong to fifteen well operating Paddy Farmer Organizations in the Polonnaruwa, Hambantota and Kurunegala Districts by means of a series of key informant surveys and focus group discussions supported by a structured interview schedule from March to April 2013. The interviews were transcribed and translated and information gathered in this process was analyzed using the N-Vivo Qualitative Data Analysis Software ( Version 10). The results highlight that the paddy farmers' highest interest was on up keeping the guaranteed purchasing price for paddy. In addition, those policies associated with the fertilizer subsidy, seed paddy production, provision of irrigation water, and agro-chemicals have grabbed much attention of farmers. The outcome of analysis suggests that paddy farmers in Sri Lanka are yet and highly expect a prominent role from the government to retain in paddy farming, especially with respect to controlling of markets.