Socio-economic status of small and medium-scale poultry farmers in mutur ds division of Trincomalee

Abstract

Poultry farming is an important source of income for most rural villagers. However, current farming practices are mostly unregulated in Eastern Sri Lanka. Before developing and implementing state development programs, a study of the socio-economic situation of small and medium-sized poultry producers is necessary. The research was conducted in Mutur DS Department, Trincomalee District from 08/10/2023 to 12/10/2023. The poultry producers were selected methodically at random. The main purpose of poultry farming is to increase the productivity of the chicken industry to increase family income in rural and peri-urban areas. Backyard farmers in this area grew food primarily for their families and for economic reasons. The 55 farmers were interviewed using a systematic questionnaire. The study's data were coded, entered into a computer, and statistically analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS), version 25. The independent variable in the study is monthly income while the dependent variables are education, age, occupation, experience, etc. Household size, costs and scale of farming. There is a significant difference (p = 0.037) between the monthly income and cost of poultry farming and the level of management, with most of them being Muslims and a larger proportion up to O/L. In addition, most farms are medium-sized farms with evenly distributed poultry farming. 25% of farms were run by men while 75% of farms were run by women and since then women in this region have become interested in poultry farming. The results of this study can be a baseline for future development plans.