Use Of Traditional Knowledge By Paddy Farming Communities Of Mahaulpatha In Polonnaruwa District In Sri Lanka

A significant decline in traditional knowledge (TK) among paddy farming communities in Mahaulpatha, Polonnaruwa District, Sri Lanka, has been documented. Despite the persistence of some practices—such as 57% of farmers still using straw manure before planting and 26% relying on rainfall patterns for cultivation—the study reveals a heavy reliance on modern chemical fertilizers (100%) post-sowing and machinery (87%) for land preparation, signaling a shift away from sustainable, eco-friendly methods. While TK, passed down through generations by observing natural phenomena, remains valuable, its erosion is evident. The research combines primary data—questionnaires, interviews, observations—and secondary data to highlight the tension between immediate productivity gains from modern inputs and long-term environmental sustainability. A localized awareness effort, integrating TK with modern techniques, was proposed as a solution.

KWG, R. N., & LPHK, M. (2016). Use Of Traditional Knowledge By Paddy Farming Communities Of Mahaulpatha In Polonnaruwa District In Sri Lanka. International Journal for Innovation Education and Research, 4(6), 41–49. https://doi.org/10.31686/ijier.vol4.iss6.555