Importance of Traditional Cinnamon Cultivation on Rural Economy; A Study of Mulatiyana Divisional Secretariat, Matara District

Abstract

This study investigates the importance of traditional cinnamon cultivation on rural economy. It is a valuble spice plant in Sri Lanka. In 2017, the most exported crop in Sri Lanka was cinnamon and the exported quantity was 16967 metric tons and its export value was 33342 million rupees. Accordingly, cinnamon cultivation can be identified as a crop which contains high export value and this cultivation progresses on a traditional level at present. The purpose of this study was to identify importance of traditional cinnamon cultivation on the rural economy. The survey method was used for the collection of primary data and secondary data were used to achieve this objective. Mulatiyana Divisional Secretariat Division in Matara District was selected as the study area and the sample population consisted of 30 cinnamon cultivating families which replace 7% from Beragama West Grama Niladari Division. According to the findings, Cinnamon can produce a high profit per year and can be grown in two seasons. The farmer can produce 300kg from 1-acre cinnamon fertile land and presently 1kg of good cinnamon grade Prices range between Rs 2,000 - 3,500. Even though the cost of cultivation is high for the cinnamon cultivator, it was found that one acre of cultivation can make a profit of Rs.128964.16 by year. According to this analysis, it is apparent that cinnamon cultivation is one of the main reasons for increasing the income of the rural economy. By using new techniques to improve this cultivation, the farmer can get a higher return from cinnamon cultivation. Cinnamon cultivation can be promoted with state intervention to improve the rural economy and thereby improve the quality of life of the rural population.