Potential expansion of rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg.) cultivation to the Northern region of Sri Lanka: SWOT analyses in Vavuniya district

Rubber cultivation in Sri Lanka is in the expansion process to drier non-traditional areas to cater the demand. Having sufficient lands and then with additional objective of improving rural livelihood, Eastern and Northern region of Sri Lanka has been targeted for this expansion. With the initial success in the intermediate zone of Eastern province, rubber was introduced to the dry zone in Vavuniya district for the first time in 2010. However, no information was available on its potential expansion and factors to be considered. Therefore, this study was aimed to address this need through a detailed analysis on Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) for rubber cultivation in Vavuniya. Collection of secondary data and farmer workshops for SWOT analyses were tools of the study. Despite the availability of lands, farmers in Vavuniya - North had limited access to lands. Prospective stability in income was the opportunity expected by farmers from rubber cultivation. As a realistic target; cultivating 4,000 ha of rubber in Vavuniya district is proposed with the concept of “one family one hectare of rubber”. Factors to be considered in allocating lands for rubber, a protocol for its expansion and needs for future studies are also discussed.