Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices by Vegetable Farmers in Galle District in Sri Lanka

Abstract

The main challenges involved in vegetable production are price fluctuation, low level of income for farmers, and lack of quality fresh products in local and export markets. The adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in vegetable production systems will be a sound solution to overcome these problems as it helps farmers to reduce the cost of agrochemicals, chemical contamination of the farmers, and environmental pollution. Also, it leads to produce better quality vegetables by preventing on-farm contamination of vegetables. Thus, the present study aimed to find out the adoption of GAP by vegetable farmers and their attitude towards the GAP, using 100 randomly selected vegetable farmers in the Galle District. The sample was obtained by applying a multi-stage simple random sampling technique and data were collected from March to July 2018 using a self-administered questionnaire survey. Garrett’s ranking test and Chi square test were employed in data analysis. The findings revealed that most vegetable farmers in the Galle district have a general level of awareness on GAP, and a positive attitude towards the GAP programme. However, most farmers do not adopt the GAP, and some farmers lack the required amount of information, technical know-how, inputs, capital, labour, and required field conditions to practice GAP, even though they wish to practice it. According to the results, awareness of GAP, GAP certification, and the awareness of the importance and benefits of GAP were the significant factors affecting the adoption of GAP by vegetable farmers. Therefore, farmers need the correct guidance to make them aware of the GAP programme. An association was noted in gender (male) (P-value = 0.019) and land ownership (P-value = 0.000) towards the positive attitude on GAP. Identifying the many potentials and constraints of implementing GAP in the district is crucial. However, by making farmers aware and providing the main requirements, it would be possible to motivate farmers towards the adaptation of GAP in vegetable production systems.