Factors Influencing Fertilizer Usage by Medium and Large Scale Coconut Farmers in Gampaha District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Aims: This study attempts to identify the factors affecting the usage of fertilizer by medium- and large-scale coconut farmers in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka with a view to recommend pragmatic strategies to increase coconut production in Sri Lanka. Study Design: Multistage quota sampling with a proportion allocation method. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted during the year 2017 in the Gampaha administrative district, which is a leading coconut-producing region, under the coconut triangle of Sri Lanka.  Methodology: Both primary and secondary data were utilized in the study. Descriptive analytical techniques, factor analysis, and Binary Logistic Regression techniques were used in the data analysis. Results: The factor analysis disclosed five-factor groups that cumulatively explain 55% of the total variation. Binary Logistic Regression revealed that the prevalence of favorable weather patterns, usage of supplementary materials, availability of credit facilities, and organic fertilizer application significantly affect the application of inorganic fertilizer for coconut cultivation. The availability of a fertilizer subsidy, practicing moisture conservation, practicing animal husbandry, and applying inorganic fertilizer significantly determined the application of organic fertilizer for coconut cultivation. Usage of supplementary materials, yield of the last coconut picking, and household size significantly affected the fertilizer application for coconut cultivation in general. Conclusion: Prevalence of favorable weather patterns, supplementary materials, and credit usage increase the chance of applying inorganic fertilizer for coconut. Organic fertilizer application decreases the likelihood of applying inorganic fertilizer for coconut.  Availability of a fertilizer subsidy, practicing moisture conservation, practicing animal husbandry increase the chance of applying organic fertilizer for coconut, whilst the inorganic fertilizer application decreases the likelihood of applying organic fertilizer for coconut.