Sorjan cultivation system for improving agricultural productivity of marginal low-lying coastal areas in the Southwest of Sri Lanka

Abstract

A sizeable extent of Paddy lands in coastal low-lying areas in the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka are now abandoned or have become marginal due to complex and unfavorable hydrologic conditions, and the farmers in those areas have to face considerable hardships. The need for developing new sustainable farming systems has been greatly recognized to make these lands suitable for agricultural purposes, and to ensure some economic benefits to the farmers. A study conducted in a low-lying marginal land of Bangkok in Thailand (model) has shown that by the adoption of “Sorjan Farming System” it would be possible to make these lands favorable for agricultural purposes. The study revealed that new land use system is agronomic ally and economically more productive, environmental riendly and well suited to the social environment of the area. Appropriate species and varieties, time of planting, management and protection of crop and fish components, which suit the prevailing soil, water, climate and biota present at the sites have to be determined. Institutional support for construction of alternate bed and sink profile as well as for the extension of necessary knowledge of management is vital in developing and popularizing the proposed model