Abstract:
A study was carried out in the Thirukkovil DS division of Ampara district to find out
the factors determining the groundnut production. Using the random sampling procedure, a
sample of 75 groundnut farmers was selected and a structured interview schedule was used to
collect the primary data. Collected data were analyzed by using the SPSS. From the study, it
was found out that the average age of groundnut farmers in the area was 48 years, 77.3% were
males, and 92% were married. The average family size of a household was 4 members, and
only 3 were involved in groundnut farming, about 93.3% of farmers worked as part time
groundnut farmers. The average family income was Rs. 15,800 per month. Majority of the
farmers had farming experience of 11 years. Most of farmers (89%) had cultivated in their own
land in Maha season compare with other two seasons and most of farmers (36%) had cultivated
in leased land in mid season compare with other two seasons. Most of farmers (66%) had
cultivated in highland extent of 164 ac in Maha season. About 65% of farmers were cultivated in
Maha and Yala seasons in study areas. Average groundnut cultivated extent was 2.4 ac, 1.83 ac
and 2.53 ac in Yala, mid and Maha season respectively. According to the results the average net
profit from groundnut cultivation was Rs. 56,175/ac in Yala season, Rs. 34,975/ac in Maha
season and Rs 34,296 in mid season. Average net profit was high in Yala season because
groundnut seeds demand was high and good market price during the season. Chi-square
analysis indicated that there was a significant association between average groundnut yield
obtained in Yala season and educational level of groundnut farmers, type of farming and use of
IPNS techniques by the groundnut farmers in the study area. It is therefore recommended that
government and relevant private institutions should take necessary steps to strengthen their
extension services by considering the above factors to enhance the groundnut production.
