http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/73 Fri, 08 May 2026 10:58:56 GMT 2026-05-08T10:58:56Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12542 Title: Impact of Institutional Agricultural Credit on Agricultural Production A Case Study in the Vavuniya District Authors: Umahshankar, K.; Sivarajasingam, S.; Jogaratnam, T. Abstract: Credit is thought to be a strategic variable in enhancing agricultural production in developing countries. Therefore government in these countries place special importance on the provision of institutional credit in agriculture. This study was carried out to assess the implication of institutional credit on the red onion production in Vavuniya divisional secretariat division, which is typical of the Sri Lankan dry zone. Purpose randomly selected sample farmers, from the Kovilkulam and Pamparnadu agrarian service centre divisions were interviewed with a structured questionnaire. The study compared the calculated t-probability values with fixed probability level of 0.05. An appropriate functional form was decided by comparing the t- probability values, R. square, adjusted R square, D. W and VIF (Variation Inflation Factors) of the functions. Firstly t-test was performed to compare the yield difference of red onion both borrowers and non-borrowers. Second t-test was performed to test the total liability difference of both borrowers and non-borrowers. Here total liability implies the summation of formal and informal borrowings of borrowers and total informal borrowings of non-borrowers. Then multiple regression analysis was performed to test the influence of total borrowing on the level of inputs used by the farmers. Second multiple regression analysis was done to test the production response to the input usage level of borrowers and non-borrowers. Finally correlation analysis was performed to check for any interrelationship within the inputs used in the production. 0.0001 t-probability value implies that there is a significant difference found between the yield level of the borrowers and non- borrowers. According to the results of the second t-test, the t probability value 0.0078 indicates the significant difference found between the total liabilities of both category farmers. Total borrowing of borrowers had a significant impact on the input usage level of land, seed hired labour and nitrogen fertilizer. But for non-borrowers total borrowing were found to be significant only for the inputs of seed and hired labour. Final regression analysis implies the productivity of purchased inputs on the production. But the productivity of inputs was found to be higher for the borrowers of credit than non-borrowers. Interactions found within two inputs of non-borrowers were detected by the correlation analysis. Ultimately the research concludes that institutional credit has statistically significant impact on the production of red onion. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12542 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12541 Title: Some Aspects of Institutional Agricultural Credit on Agricultural Production A Case Study in The Vavuniya District Authors: Umashankar, K.; Jogaratnam, T.; Sivarajasingam, S. Abstract: Credit is thought to be a strategic variable in enhancing agricultural production in developing countries. It is in this backdrop, that an attempt is made to understand the dynamics of the agricultural credit system in Vavuniya district, where the traditional paddy based agricultural system is in the phase transition into a commercialized agricultural system. Vavuniya district is considered to be a relatively less endowed district in Sri Lanka. It is a district with typical dry zone characteristics. This study was carried out to asses the credit need of the red onion cultivators, contribution percentage of the non-institutional sources as against the institutional sources and the factors affects the farmers access to the credit. Final objective is to recommend possible measures to evolve a better credit culture in the district. Purposive randomly selected sample farmers from the Kovilkulam and Pampamadu agrarian service center divisions were interviewed with a structured questionnaire to obtain the information. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and simple tabular analysis were used to analyze the data. Credit needs of the farmers were estimated on the basis of potential credit need, expressed credit need and credit need based on the 75 per cent of the total cash cost of production. Assessment of the credit need based on the cost of cultivation showed a highest value than other two. Expressed credit need of the farmers was found to be far below than the credit need estimated based on the cost of cultivation. But potential credit need of the farmers showed the lowest value. Out of the total borrowing of the red onion cultivators in the Vavuniya Divisional secretariat division, informal sources contributed 31 percent as against the formal sources. But total Bank loans alone contributed 42.25 percent out of the total borrowing of the farmers. This study identified several factors such as age, educational level, family labour previous borrowing experience, availability of water and storage facilities, size of holdings and off farm income which have been influencing farmers effective access to the institutional credit. Finally the research recommend some possible measures to evolve better credit culture to improve the productivity of farmers through proper supervision and guidance of borrowers and by ensuring timely provision to adequate amounts of formal credit. Replacing the asset based lending system by introducing a group based lending scheme, allowing farmers organization to be as a guarantor to the poor farmers, channeling more credit to the construction of storage structures and rehabilitation of the wells, extending the Bank services via introducing the temporary mobile service units during the lending seasons, employing more clerical staff to reduce the paper works of the borrowers and reducing the time to sanction the loans. could be expected to prevent farmers from securing loans from high cost informal sources. Sat, 01 Jan 2000 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12541 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12453 Title: Assessing the willingness to pay of fishermen, Biologists and Engineers tor Sustainable Management of Thondamanaaru Lagoon in Jaffna District Sri Lanka Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Sivashankar, S.; Sarujan, S.; Nithila, K.; Kiriyaliny, V.; Selvana, S.; Anushiya, S. Abstract: As one of the prominent lagoons in northern Sri Lanka, the Thondamanaru lagoon provides a wide range of ecosystem services that are highly valued by society. However, the state intervention of barrage closure to prevent the salinity issues in the groundwater of the region has posed serious challenges on the biodiversity of the Thondamanaaru lagoon as well as the livelihoods of artisanal fishermen living in this area. The situation raises concerns not only among the local people but also among all the stakeholders related to this lagoon ecosystem management such as, biologists, engineers, fishermen. Therefore, this study aims to understand the preferences and willingness to pay of fishermen, biologists, and engineers using a choice experiment approach to support sustainable lagoon management. The attributes considered for this study include the levels of barrage operation, fish stocks, mangroves, tourist facilities, and payments. A total of 180 fishermen, 150 engineers, and 154 biologists were randomly selected for this study, and the preferences of different stakeholders were analyzed using a mixed logit model. The results show the preference order of barrage operation of fishermen and biologists as follows: complete opening of sluice gate throughout the year, opening for one month per year and complete closure of sluice gate, but the preference order of barrage operation of engineers is as follows: complete closure of sluice gate, opening for one month per year and complete opening of sluice gate throughout the year. However, all stakeholders are willing to pay to open the sluice gate for one month per year. Biologists had the highest WTP (LKR 2956.65) for sluice gate opening for one month per year. In contrast, engineers prefer to completely close the barrage and open the barrage one month per year levels than completely open the barrage. Notably, fishermen, biologist, and engineers are willing to pay for an increase in fish stock, mangroves, and improvements in tourism. Furthermore, the findings revealed that fishermen above 50 years of age were more willing to accept compensation for the complete closure of the sluice gate per month compared to those below 50 years of age. Further, engineers’ income and their knowledge regarding the lagoon significantly influence their choice, while biologists’ gender, knowledge, and understanding of lagoon management practices significantly influence their choice. These findings could be useful to policymakers to develop appropriate policy to maximize the welfare to society from lagoon and sustainable ecosystem management. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12453 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12452 Title: Analysis of Paddy Price fluctuations in the Ampara District of Sri Lanka Authors: Sooriyakumar, K.; Ahamed, M.M.M. Abstract: This study addresses the limited research on district-level paddy price fluctuations in Ampara, a key rice-producing region in Sri Lanka, which has been overlooked in favor of national-level analyses. It aims to analyze short- and long-term price dynamics of various paddy grain types using ARDL modelling, incorporating the effects of rice imports and interdistrict production. The research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to identify factors driving price volatility and assess its impact on farmer income and economic vulnerability. Findings will inform policy recommendations to enhance price stability and market resilience in Ampara’s paddy sector. Employing a mixed-method approach, the research combines time-series analysis using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and data collected over 22 years (2000-2022). The data includes total production in the Ampara district, annual rice import quantities for Sri Lanka, and prices of short-grain, long-grain red, and long-grain white rice. The study focuses on understanding the effects of local production levels, imports, and market dynamics on short- and long-term paddy price behavior, particularly for short-grain, long-grain white, and long-grain red rice varieties. The ARDL model reveals that rice imports and production levels negatively influence short-grain rice prices in neighboring districts, while long-grain white rice prices exert a positive influence on short-grain prices. Similarly, long-grain white and red rice prices are sensitive to both local and external production factors, reflecting broader market dynamics that affect price stability. The study highlights the significant roles of historical prices, imports, and inter-district production in shaping current price trends. The findings underscore the economic vulnerability of paddy farmers, particularly during harvest periods when price drops reduce income stability. Although government policies are aimed at price stabilization through procurement programs, they are often insufficient due to infrastructural and financial constraints. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12452 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z