Study on the Level of Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Tea Cultivation among Smallholders in the Uva Region.

Abstract

Tea Smallholders in Sri Lanka encounter significant challenges due to noncompliance with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in tea cultivation, necessitating the urgent implementation of effective adaptation strategies. The GAP in tea cultivation, considers soil conservation, shade management, efficient water management, integrated pest management, and sustainable farming techniques, which are essential for maintaining productivity and environmental sustainability. This study aimed to evaluate the extent of GAP knowledge among tea smallholders in the Uva region and examine their implementation of adaptation measures to address GAP challenges. A randomly selected 100 tea smallholder in the Uva region was selected. Utilizing a cross-sectional and exploratory research design, this study employed diverse data collection methods, including interviews, pre-tested questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations, to ensure a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. These methodological approaches facilitated the collection of valuable insights into tea smallholders‟ awareness and their adoption of GAP. Subsequently, the collected data were analyzed to discern the farmers' knowledge and implementation of adaptation measures in response to GAP challenges. Descriptive statistical analysis and multiple linear regressions were performed to analyze the data using SPSS software. In the Uva region, the majority 52% of tea smallholders exhibited moderate awareness, while 23% of tea smallholders demonstrated a high level of awareness of GAP. Moreover, the adoption of GAP was significantly determined by the education level, income, experience in the field, knowledge of cultural practices of tea smallholders, and extension services. These findings suggest that adopting GAP in tea cultivation among smallholders in the Uva Region is imperative in improving the quality of tea and its sustainability. Further, future research could explore the impact of GAP on productivity and profitability in different study areas of Sri Lanka.