Adoption of Best Cultivation Practices and Post-Harvest Techniques among Maize Farmers in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

Maize (Zea mays L.) ranks as the second most important grain crop in Sri Lanka after rice, playing a pivotal role in meeting the country's agricultural and economic needs. The rising demand for maize, driven primarily by the expansion of the livestock sector, has outpaced domestic production capabilities. This shortfall is attributed to suboptimal yields, significant post-harvest losses, and poor grain quality, often linked to mycotoxin contamination. Consequently, Sri Lanka continues to rely heavily on maize imports to bridge the supply gap. Enhancing local maize production and improving grain quality through the adoption of best management practices offers a promising pathway to achieving quality grains. Despite this potential, limited recent research has examined the current practices of the farmers in production and post-harvest handling, creating a knowledge gap. This study investigated the extent to which maize farmers in the Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka have adapted recommended best management practices and post-harvest techniques in maize production. Data were gathered from 280 maize farmers, selected through random sampling, using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews during the 2023 Yala season. Findings reveal considerable deviations from recommended practices in critical aspects of maize production, such as land preparation, seed rate management, crop establishment, and fertilizer application. Additionally, deficiencies in post-harvest practices particularly in drying, threshing, and storage have contributed to measurable losses. According to farmers' estimates, average maize losses are 1% during drying, 1.8% during threshing, and 1.5% during storage. The deficiencies in harvest and the post-harvest losses highlight the crucial need for targeted interventions to improve the knowledge and practices of the farmers. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing robust farmer training programs focused on best management practices adoption and post-harvest handling techniques. Moreover, it recommends developing village-level infrastructure to mitigate post-harvest losses and ensure the production of high-quality maize.