Coconut cultivation in Thenmaradchi division of Jaffna district

Abstract

The field of Agriculture contributes the most to the economy by Thenmaradchi. In this regard, next to paddy it is coconut that occupies a more prominent place. Coconut forms the livelihood crop as well as the commercial crop of the people in the study region. However, the coconut production of Thenmardchi region in Jaffna has been declining considerably after the civil war. This study is undertaken with the view to identify areas with more cultivation find out the causes for the declining coconut production, levels and place forward suggestions and recommendations towards the development of coconut cultivation. Primary and secondary data have been used in this study. Primary data have been collected through such methods as questionnaires, interviews, direct observations and discussions. Secondary data include those collected from the coconut development board, agrarian services department annual statistical reports, books, magazines and the website using the Arc GIS version 10.4 the locational distribution of coconut in the study region for the year 2010 has been mapped. Primary and secondary data have been analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) package software and excel technique and results obtained thereby. Through these, it was affected by various factors including climate changes, droughts of Beatles and insects lack of maintenance shortage of capital etc. Such damage can be averted through proper maintenance and subsidies. Coconut cultivators in the study area must increase their income steadily by engaging in such activities as growing intermittent crops, having mixed farms and by adopting coconut-based industries and tourism, where by employment opportunities higher capitals and income could be generated. The obstructive factors could be reduced and the cultivation of coconut can be promoted in the study area if the coconut development board officers join hands with the cultivators and effect corporate schemes.