Evaluating farmer-driven weed management approaches and their impact on paddy yields in Mahaweli system B
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34117/bjdv10n12-014Keywords:
weed management, paddy cultivation, yield optimization, Mahaweli system B, integrated weed controlAbstract
Mahaweli System B in Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka, lies in the dry zone’s DL1b agro-ecological region and receives an average annual rainfall of 900 mm. Paddy cultivation is the primary livelihood, supported for over 30 years by supplemental irrigation from the Maduru Oya reservoir. Roughly 35,000 farmers grow paddy across 25,000 hectares during both Yala and Maha seasons, contributing 4.2% of the national paddy production each season, with an average yield of 5.1 tons per hectare, surpassing the national average of 3.7 tons per hectare. To improve yields, Mahaweli System B leverages irrigation infrastructure, skilled extension services, collaboration with agricultural organizations, and strong farmer networks. Awareness programs emphasize high-quality seed selection, optimized land preparation, nutrient-specific fertilization, and safe agrochemical use. Despite comprehensive weed control practices, weeds remain a major challenge, reducing yields by 28-89% and impacting harvest quality. This study aims to identify weed management practices adopted by farmers in Mahaweli System B and to evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing paddy yield, providing insights to strengthen regional production outcomes.
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