Transformation of traditional agricultural practices in paddy cultivation in the face of green revolution: A sociological study in Hambantota district

Abstract

Green Revolution introduced in 1940s refers to the significant increase in agricultural productivity resulting from the use of high-yield varieties of grains, pesticides, and improved management techniques. In Sri Lanka, elements of Green Revolution have been implemented since 1960s. These implementations have brought a paramount impact on the transformation of traditional cultivation practices in rural Sri Lanka, in general, and in particular in paddy cultivation. The present study aimed at investigating the nature and the level of this transformation. The main objective of the study was to investigate the traditional agricultural practices in paddy cultivation and their transformation in the face of Green Revolution in Sri Lankan context. The methodology of the study was of two sorts; survey and case study. The study area was located in three divisional secretariats; Sooriyawewa, Angunakolapelessa, and Ambalantota in Hambantota District. Both primary and secondary data were collected. The study found that the traditional farming practices are replaced by modem techniques, and most importantly, the Green Revolution had not been a remedy to alleviate poverty in the area studied, rather a creator of ranges of problems, issues, and confusions leading to disintegration of human life in general. The study also found that the farmers had been severely paralyzed by the adaptation of agricultural practices introduced by the Green Revolution that had in turn deteriorated human creativity.