Abstract:
The issue of farming on slope lands in sustainable ways has taken the center today, for
a balance is sought between economic development and environmental protection in the
upcountry of Sri Lanka. Sustainable agriculture must be taken into account the long-term
impact of agricultural production on environment. Intensive vegetable cultivation without
adequate conservation measures cause regional environmental problems though it has made
a major economic contribution to the upcountry rural sector. Driven by growing food
demand for vegetable to feed increasing populations there is a tendency to use more
productive, intensive farming methods on the same piece of land in place of traditional
farming characterized by low input and low crop yield and productivity. As a result
resource depletion and degradation, soil erosion , salinization, water quality depletion in
long-run undermine the sustainability of agriculture.
This study explores the environmental sustainability of the vegetable cultivation
practices among farmers in Walimanda area. Himbiliyagalla and Karagasthanna GS
divisions where vegetables are grown intensively were selected for this study. Direct field
observations were carried out and the Leopord Matrix was used to identify possible
environmental impacts due to vegetable cultivation. The severities of impacts were
assessed using indicators for land, air and water resource depletion and degradation.
Impacts were ranked according to the severity. A questionaire based farmer survey was
also carried out to identify possible agronomic practices adopted by farmers which are
directly linked to the environmental degradation.
The results showed that the main negative environmental impact is the land
degradation. Other impacts according to the order of ranking are water pollution, damage
to flora and fauna, human health and air pollution. Possible agronomic practices adopted
by farmers to aggravate this impacts also revealed by this study.
An integrated policy approach and strategies are recommended to minimize the
negative impacts in order to maintain the environmental sustainability of vegetable
cultivation in slope lands in the upcountry. Market based policy instruments can not be
implemented for the poor rural community. Therefore this study proposes a mechanism to
promote sustainable agricultural practice through technical and financial assistance to
farmers of environmentally sensitive areas. Integrated Pest Management, permanent
erosion control structures, efficient irrigation methods are identified as suitable
agricultural practices to be promoted.
