Agropub

1.1 Background
Traditional varieties which are adapted to local environmental conditions are less input intensive and often less prone to diseases. These varieties are therefore valuable alternatives to the HYV. To diversify crops and securing productivity of paddycultivation in Sri Lanka, reintroducing and improving traditional farming methods are important. As a part of this, it is important to preserve indigenous knowledge, which has been handed down through generations. Utilising different varieties will also allow the farmers to cultivate the different microenvironments found in the country.

In June 2000 Center for Human Development (CfHD) was granted funds for conducting research in Kegalle district on documentation and reintroduction of traditional rice varieties. The research was a part of the “Using Agricultural Diversity Research Award Program" (UADAP) administered by UBINIG, Policy Research for Development Alternative, Bangladesh.

1.2 Objective
The objective of the project has been to address the problems of collecting traditional varieties as well as how to introduce them into the farming system of Kegalle district so that the agrobiodiversity of the local communities can be regained.

1.3 The project
The project has gone over a two year period covering four paddycultivation seasons. Prior to the project, CfHD had registered a total of 141 paddy varieties from various localities in Sri Lanka. 80 different varieties are now avaliable at CfHD in Tholangamuwa. A total of 32 have been tried out in the project.

The research has been conducted by Mr. D. Athurupana, Agriculture Assistance Director, Kegalle. He has been monitoring and guiding the process. Mr. Podinilame, Director of CfHD, has also visited the villages and research plots and had discussions with the farmers throughout the project.

 

1.4 Methodology
1. Documentation of traditional paddy varieties.
2. Selection of three villages where awareness about traditional varieties was high.
3. The families in each of the villages were selected according to class, size, wealth, cattle ownership, biomass availability etc. A total of 54 families participated throughout the project.
4. A questionnaire was distributed among farmers.
5. Each household has been given one traditional variety to grow each cultivating season.
6. Workshops were conducted, where participants could select the wanted varieties among the 80 available at CfHD.
7. Research plots were selected on each farm. Where possible these plots were 36 feet long and 18 feet wide (648 sq feet). Organic farming methods were applied on all the research plots.
8. The varieties selected by the farmers has been the focus of research and analysis.
9. Data recorded for each variety was nursery date, replanting date, harvesting date, yield, growth duration and plant characteristics.

1.5 Selected villages and the number of participating farmers:
Kinigame village, Galigamuwa: 6 farmers
Puwakmote, Rambukkana: 15 farmers
Thalgaspitiya, Aranayake: 33 farmers
Total: 54 farmers

2. ECOLOGICAL PROFILE OF STUDY SITE

2.1 Physical/geographical description
Located in the wet zone, in the foots of the hill country, Kegalle district (1,693km2) receives a rainfall of 1900 mm annually. The rainy season of this region lasts from May to November (Yala). The dry season is from December to February (Maha). The study sites are located in the lowland hills on altitudes between 100-500 mas. Red Yellow Podsolic Soils, Reddish Brown Latasolic Soils and Immature Brown Loams are the main soil types in the wet zone (Goonasekere and Gamage 1999).

2.2 Agroecological zones
An agroecological zone represents a particular combination of the natural characteristics of climate, relief and soil which tends to find expression agriculturally in particular farming systems. Sri Lanka is divided into 24 zones, Kegalle district belonging to the Low-country wetzone. The land use in this area is dominated by low country tea and rubber plantations, home gardens and paddy cultivation. The horticultural tree crops are coconut, rubber, coffee, banana and pepper (Farmers’ Rights Information Service).

2.3 Biological diversity
Due to its diverse habitats and tropical location Sri Lanka, is a country rich in biodiversity and is regarded a biodiversity hotspot. Many of the species found here are found no other place on this earth.
The rich biodiversity is also seen in the agricultural field, with a variety of crops and foods being utilized.

2.4 Major threats to agro-biodiversity
High intensive, high input agriculture with HYVs and GMOs is posing a threat to the traditionally diversified agriculture of Kegalle. Large areas of Kegalle district is also under monoculture such as coconut and rubber plantations. These crops usually require high amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

In Kegalle district, 116,278 hectares are cultivated agricultural land (Dep. of Statistics, 1985). There has been a slow decline in cultivated paddy land due to a shift to other crops, infrastructure building and landfills. 10,427 hectares are currently being cultivated for rice (Dep. of Statistics, 2001). (5,535 ha during the Yala season). On 64% of the grown land there is applied chemical fertilizers only, weedicide were applied on 1,801 ha (Dep. of Statistics, 2001). Only 4% of the Kegalle ricecultivated land is grown with organic methods.


3. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE OF THE STUDY SITE

3.1 Population and land resources
Kegalle district has a population of 779,774 and an annual population increase of 0.61%. The population consists of 85.6% Sinhalese, 7.6% Tamils, 6.6% Muslims and 0.8% other groups. Of these, 3% possess land of one to two acres, 5% own a quarter to one acre of land and 1.15% own less than an acre. 0.9% of the Kegalle population is landless (Dep. of Statistics, 2001).

The total population in Galigamuwa is 68,441, in Rambukkana 74,858 and in Aranyake 65,865.

4. HISTORIC PROFILE OF CASE STUDY SITE

4.1 Significant events in the area which has had a bearing on the agro-biodiversity initiative
Department of export of minor crops has now started more vigorously to promote cultivation and marketing of different crop varieties such as varieties of banana, bamboo and kithul. This is positively affecting the promoting of paddyvarieties also. The Director General of Agriculture (Ministry of Agriculture) visited the research farms in Thalgaspitiya and Puwakmote in November 2002, together with 50 senior officials, including the director of training from the Ministry of Agriculture. As a result of the exposure trip and the following discussions, there is now an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture and CfHD. It was also decided to collaborate on a traditional seed-growing programme on 15 acres of land.

4.2 History of conservation of biodiversity
Conservation of biodiversity is evident in the traditional village system which was found througout Sri Lanka and also in Kegalle district. The traditional village centers the village tank/dam, around which the forest, the village itself, the paddy land, and area for shifting cultivation are positioned. In areas with shifting cultivation, pulses and grains were grown, but also different vegetables like pumkin. These crops were grown at different seasons. Traditionally, the paddylands also supported many different paddyvarieties. Around the houses, the Kandyan homegardens were prominent, with its diversity of timbertrees, fruittrees, vegetables, herbs and spices. The watertanks giving support to a wide variety of fish, birds and amphibians. The different components constituted a complex system, rich in biodiversity. Conservation of biodiverstiy has therefore been an integral part of the way of living in rural Kegalle.

5. RESULTS

5.1 Promising varieties
On a country basis paddy yield in Sri Lanka is 33,741 hg/ha. Total paddy area harvested is 850,000 ha. Average yield of paddy for the year 2000 under rainfed conditions was 3,120 kg/ha during Maha and 2,789 kg/ha during Yala (FAO, 2001).

In Kegalle district the average yield for paddy grown with chemical fertilizers and pesticides is 1430 kg/acre (Progress Report 2002). In this research 23 varieties were found to give higher yield than the Kegalle average. Basmati, Kurru vee, Madael, Moneragale samba, Ratu vee and Sudu vee were found to be particularly good with exceptionally high yields recorded. However, Basmati was in some places attacked by insects and Moneragale samba had very long growth duration. Gonebaru was also found to be a good variety with high yields, and strong, disease resistant plants. Pachchaperumal had a relative good yield and a short growth duration.

The research indicate that Heenatis and Kalu heenati in particular, are suitable for the Yala season. Basmati, Gonebaru and Hoderewale showed good results in the Maha season, with relatively short growth duration.

H4, Heenati, Honderewale, Madael, Pachiperumal, Sudu samba, Sudu vee, Ratel vee and Ratu vee were reported to have less problems with insect and rat attacks.

5.2 Poor results
Pini vee, Podi heenati, Suduru samba and Suwael vee were not showing particularly good results. The results for Ratu samba was varied, with poor results in some cases and successful results in other. This variety was also reported to have problems with insect attacks. Due to drought there is a lack of data on the varieties of Gallpa vee, Kahate samba, Suduru vee and Suwandel, and these varieties should be tested out further.

5.3 Extent of paddyvarieties found
Varieties have been collected by staff from CfHD from sites all over Sri Lanka, i.e. from Ampare, Anuradhapura, Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa, Galle, Kalutara, Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Monaragale. CfHD has now documented a total of 141 different varieties, all varieties are stored in CfHD’s seedbank in Thulangamuwa. The varieties all have different oudours, grainsize and colours and have adapted to different environments.

In Kegalle district 15 different varieties have been collected. However, some of these have relative long growing period and were not used in the research. Of the tested varieties native to Kegalle most showed good results, except for Pini vee, Podi heenati and Suduru samba. There was a lack of data on Kahate samba and Suduru vee.

5.4 Impacts/implications on livelihood
Agriculture in Kegalle is very much dominated by monoculture. However, with this project a number of new varieties are being introduced, and the awareness of the importance of conserving the crop varieties is increasing. Through experiments on farms, more and more farmers will get their food supply secured. By having more feet to stand on, the farmers will be more self-sufficient and less dependent on markets. Another aspect of this project is the health aspect. The project is promoting organic farming and healthy food. This will in return have impact on people’s health and well being. Also the principles of organic farming and the use of different varieties, is influencing production of other crops in the area such as organic cultivation of fruit trees etc. The project has initiated many discussions among farmers and created more awareness and appreciation of own traditional farming methods. There is also now an existing exchange system of traditional paddyvarieties among farmers in Kegalle district.

5.5 Impacts/implications on ecology
As a result of the organic methods applied, less chemicals are being released into the environment, and a higher on-farm biodiversity will be maintained in the long run.

5.6 Gender considerations addressed
Traditionally, there have been clear distinctions between male and female responsibilities in paddy cultivation. Transplanting, harvesting and bringing food/tea to the paddyland, have traditionally been carried out by women. Men on the other hand, have been responsible for ploughing. This project has tried to involve women more and more. Despite the fact that women cannot participate in some tasks (i.e. ploughing), the majority of the participants in this research have been women.

5.7 Indigenous knowledge systems/IPR issues addressed
Farmers growing traditional varieties often have a vast knowledge of traditional farming systems. Still, these methods are being applied by some farmers. This includes the use of kems, religious rituals connected to commencement of the growing season, sowing, harvesting, control of pests and diseases etc. Some of these practices include lighting of coconut oil lamps in paddy fields during the night, and placing of coconut flowers on sticks around in the paddyfield to control insects. Some other traditional methods are spreading of blessed sand, water and flowers in the paddyfield and placing “plastic flags" that makes a sound that scares away rats. These are only a few of a vast number of traditional methods applied. This research programme has not only tried to document traditional paddy varieties, but also to encourage and stimulate the application of such traditional knowledge in agriculture.

The use of traditional paddy varieties is now more and more becoming an alternative for farmers in Kegalle district and important varieties have been reintroduced into the farming systems of Kegalle. When the project started two years ago, there was very little interest and knowledge about this issue. Today there is increased interest in the use of these varieties, which can be seen in the increased prices and demand for traditional paddy varieties. Also other places in the country, sharing and exchange of seeds is now taking place.

6. PROBLEMS FACED

Some of the problems faced during the project was lack of organic manure and Neem seeds, especially in the first season. This was because the farmers had to produce all organic manure and fertilizers themselves and this was not sufficient. Lack of rain during the ploughing period and paddy flowering period was also a problem, especially in Kinigama during the first Yala season.

Another problem was the use of chemicals on neighbouring agricultural land. Even though the research plots were grown organically, some of the farmers were using chemical fertilizers on the rest of their land. This could have had an impact on the bordering research plots also. Some farmers pointed out that sometimes it was difficult to convince other farmers about organic farming, since this type of agriculture is more labour intensive and most farmers want quick and easy results. However, some also pointed out that many farmers are interested in organic farming due to less expenditures.

30 families from each village were supposed to be selected for the project, however, sometimes it was difficult to get continuity in participating members, and some of the farmers participated only one season. This could be due to a perception that CfHD would contribute with money and that joining the project would give access to quick money. Some of the farmers were also reluctant to share information and knowledge with others and wanted to keep results for themselves. However, this problem faded as the project proceeded.

Also some of the seed packets distributed by the farmers contained seeds from several varieties, making it difficult to measure results. Sometimes also the actual growing period observed in the research plots was longer than what was told by the farmers and written on the seed packets. Despite of some problems, most farmers were positive and still wanted to continue with trying out and using traditional varieties.

Mrs Ekenayake and her testplot in Thalgaspitiya.

Foto: Ove Vold

7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Major issues emerging from the project
A total of 32 paddy varieties were tested during this research. The research has shown that traditional paddy varieties have the possibility to compete with conventional varieties, and some varieties even have the possibility to give higher yields. It is evident that the project has contributed to building up new relationships among the community people, initiating discussions among farmers themselves. First of all between those participating in the project, but also among neighbouring farmers not participating in the research. It has been observed that conventional farmers have been following the participating farmers, and have been keen to know more about the project. This has in some places resulted in farmers obtaining seeds for planting and starting to grow traditional varieties without being attached to the project. Another positive result is seen in the change in attitude among government agriculture officers. From rigorously promoting HYV, agricultural officers in Kegalle are now showing a great interest in traditional varieties and organic farming, and are now actively promoting this. The project has contributed to increased awareness of traditional paddy varieties and traditional farming practices in general and contributed to a stronger community level control over seeds and genetic resources. Indirectly, the project has contributed to an increase in the existing nutrition and health status of the communities, by promoting traditional food and a diversified diet.

7.2 Recommendations for the future

1. The positive results of the research should be shared with other farmers throughout the country. It is important to link farmers with other farmers in different parts of the country, to exchange knowledge and seeds. This could involve exposure trips to the participating farmers in Kinigame, Puwakmote and Thalgaspitiya, by interested farmers in other parts of the country. This can be facilitated through CfHD and through networking partners. The Farmers Federation can also play an important role in this.

2. The farmers involved in this project are doing organic farming only. In the continuation of the work it is important to measure how much is being saved in term of money when it comes to expenditures on pesticides, weedicides and chemical fertilizers. This could be another incentive for farmers to consider organic farming.

3. Documentation of pests and diseases on the crops, changes in soil fertility and in agrobiodiversity is also needed. There is a need to continue the research on seed quality and to strengthen seed production, distribution and supply.

4. Due to problems with drought, there is a lack of data on the varieties of Gallpa vee, Kahate samba, Suduru vee and Suwandel, and these varieties should be tested out further.

5. It is important to continue encouraging farmers to make and utilize compost on their farms. Compost should also be made more easily available, even using town waste.

6. More government officials should involve in the promotion of traditional varieties, as they are the official promoters of highbred varieties and artificial chemicals. Their role will have a significant effect on changing peoples attitude and behavior.

7. Smallholders, who cultivate for own consumption, should be given more attention, since they are the majority farmers.

8. The younger generation should be involved in traditional agriculture, since they are environmentally conscious and our future farmers.

9. Schoolchildren should be educated in traditional and organic farming methods, so that after completed education, some will continue these practices.



References:

Department of Statistics (DCS) Sri Lanka; http://www.statistics.gov.lk

Farmers’ Rights Information Service; http://www.mssrf.org/fris9809/srilanka-ch3-a.html

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO); http://www.fao.org

Goonasekere, K. and Gamage, H. (1999) Some indigenous technology knowledge and practices for watershed management in Sri Lanka. Sharma, P.N. (ed.) University of Peradenya, Sri Lanka. Participatory Watershed Management Training in Asia (PWMTA), Netherlands/FAO (UN), GCP/RAS/161/NET, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Helvetas (2001) Sustainable farming systems through traditional plant genetic resources and indigenous knowledge based practices. Helvetas, Sri Lanka.