Economic analysis of banana production in Valikamam East DS division, Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Banana, an ancient fruit, has evolved into one of the world's most widely cultivated, traded, and consumed fruits. In the Jaffna district, particularly in the Valikamam East DS division, banana cultivation is a key livelihood activity of many households, supporting both income and food security. Despite its local significance, recent research focusing on the economic dynamics of banana production in this area remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a comprehensive economic analysis of banana production in the Valikamam East DS division. The study employed a simple random sampling method with 100 banana farmers for primary data collection. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results revealed that all farmers cultivated on their own land, with an average farmer age of 55.77 years and an average family size of 4.5 members. Despite major challenges like climate hazards and high labour costs, the annual average cost of production, return, and net profit stood at Rs 281,390, Rs 671,066, and Rs 389,676 per acre, respectively, indicating profitability with a benefit:cost (B:C) ratio of 2.38. A significant correlation was observed between the farmers’ experience, education and banana yield. Overall, this research provides valuable insights for banana farmers, policymakers, and researchers, paving the way for enhanced cultivation practices and informed decision-making.