Trends and challenges of tea cultivation - a study focused on the Welipenna

Abstract

Export agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors in the world. Crops of different kinds are grown in different nations. Tea is a vital crop that generates foreign cash in Sri Lanka. Tea is successfully grown for export, especially in areas like Kandy, Kegalle, Matale, Kalutara, Nuwara Eliya, Gampaha, and Ratnapura. The purpose of this study is to determine the patterns and difficulties associated with tea growing in Welipenna, Mathugama Divisional Secretariat Division, the study region in the Kalutara District. Primary data, including direct observations, questionnaires, and interviews, as well as secondary data, including reports, websites, and journals, were used to gather information for this purpose. The collected data were analyzed using software such as MS Excel and Arc GIS 10.8, and conclusions were drawn. The study found that the research area has a suitable climate and topography for tea cultivation. However, challenges identified include the decline of agricultural land due to population growth and infrastructure development, as well as a decrease in production trends due to disease outbreaks and climate change. Finally, the study proposes recommendations to effectively address the challenges faced by tea cultivation in the research area.