IMPACT OF WELIGAMA COCONUT WILT LEAF DISEASE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC STATUS OF COCONUT GROWERS IN MATARA DISTRICT

Abstract

This research study is focused on investigating the impact of Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt Diseases on coconut production and socio economic status of coconut growers in Matara District in Southern Province. The literature review also discusses the Contribution towards the role mainly played by the Coconut Research Institute, Coconut Cultivation Board, Ministry of Coconut Development and Janatha Estates Development and coconut growers on the diseases. To examine the intervention of the government institutions in the process of solving the issue faced by the coconut growers and what extent the growers satisfied with the process and any obstacles/ shortcomings in the process. The Study was designed as a descriptive analysis using SPSS Software to analyze sample size of 100 participants of coconut growers in Matara District. The key finding of the study, higher diseases, production and social life standards of the coconut growers are lower the diseases lower, Coconut nut production and social life standards of the coconut growers are higher. However, it is found that, due to the increase in the price of coconut in the market, it is clear that despite the low production of coconut, it has not been so much affected the economic and social status of growers. Finally, I have made few recommendations for policy makers and future studies toward the new innovations and growth of the coconut industry. To introduce a compensation to pay to the coconut growers to minimize the losses incurred due to the disease. Introducing a new insurance scheme for the coconut palms to protect coconut growers. Including new skills/ disease control mechanisms and strategies to the awareness programmes of the educational programme planners in the field of coconut development. The government should make policies which enable coconut growers to adopt new technologies and innovations in the coconut development fields.