Abstract:
Thihagoda Divisional Division in Sectetariate Matara District is located within an
agricultural setting with is at present identify with barren paddy fields. Therefore, the
person in the area continuously is experiencing problems with regard to the paddy
cultivation.
The main objective of the study is to identify the resource for the problems associated
with the paddy cultivation in the area. Four Grama Niladhari Wasam (GN Division)
namely Aththudawa West, Watagedara, Watagedara East, Bandaththara are selected for
this study. The data and information was collected using a questionnaire survey, conducting
discussions with 75 families who are engaged in paddy cultivation. The main respondent
was the farmers of the family. The observation was also used to clarity the data. The
data was analyzed using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Computer Base Geographycal
Analysis (SPSS) and Excel. Maps were constructed using Arc view, to show the
distribution of barrens land in the area and change over time.
Thihagoda Divisional Secretariat Division has paddy land hectare 2681 in 26.8%
of whole land is badland as various problems. The finding reveal that the extent of cultivated
221.8 acreage in Aththudawa West, 130.4 acreage in watagedara area, 48 acreage
in watagedara East, and 8 acreage in Bandaththra. The main problem identify was the
salinity in the area. The areas studied are low lands below mean sea level and therefore
the sea level rice experienced during past Holocene period could be one of the reasons
e salinity behind the salinity in the area. It can be identify that the recent construction
under the Nilwala Project. Also the has been influencing to increase the state of salinity,
through flooding and inundation of paddy land. In order to minimize the problems, new
types of paddy. Such as “Ma vee”, “Pokkali” and “Dewaraddiri” to suitable floods. Alson
the grasses for animals husbandry can be cultivated within the area.
