Reduced planning efforts: identification of rural potentials in selected key regions of Ratnapura [Sri Lanka]. Report no. 6 in regional planning for agricultural development in Sri Lanka.
1982
Black Michaud J. | Malalgoda M. | Schipper R.A. | Thio K.S.
The objectives of the present report are threefold: to describe the main problems confronting agricultural development in three contiguous agro-ecological regions in the eastern part of Ratnapura district; to explain how the principal constraints faced by farmers in this area came to assume such proportions; and to propose tentative solutions. The report is situated in the general context of the research effort conducted by the Agricultural Planning Project. Increasing population pressure on limited resources and severe erosion of highlands attendant upon soil mining practices are identified as the constraints weighing heaviest upon agricultural production in the target area. Soil conservation measures, innovatory techniques of tillage and the introduction of new cropping patterns - including systematic rotations, live mulches, leguminous intercrops, and integrated livestock farming -are proposed as a necessarily complex package to assist in restoring some degree of ecological balance. It is suggested that no further work be done on the rehabitation of minor irrigation schemes until erosion and the consequent risk of silting have been substantially reduced. In the last chapter, the concept of farming systems research is used to articulate an experimental project proposal.
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