Evaluation of Tea Smallholder’s Attitudes on Recommended Agricultural Practices in Tea: A Case Study in Pussellawa Tea Extension Officer Range, Sri Lanka

Tea smallholdings sector plays a major role in the tea industry of Sri Lanka contributing 75% to the national tea production. Attitudes of tea smallholders critically affect the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. This study was aimed at evaluating the attitudes of tea smallholders on the recommended agricultural practices in tea and the determinants responsible for shaping these attitudes. A sample of 110 smallholders was selected and primary data were collected using questionnaires. Multiple Regression and non-parametric statistical methods were adopted to analyse data using SPSS software package. In conclusion, a majority of tea smallholders had favourable attitudes on the recommended agricultural practices. With regard to the attitude determinants, farmer knowledge, experience and exposure to tea related extension programs have significantly affected in shaping the attitudes of tea smallholders. Farmer knowledge and experience showed a linear relationship with the attitudes of smallholders.