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<p>Sri Lanka has periodically imposed bans or restrictions on pesticides, with the most recent ban in May-November 2021. Although decisions were later reversed, their effects on crop protection remain poorly documented. This study evaluated the weed management practices used by Sri Lankan paddy farmers as affected by the herbicide import ban. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 205 randomly selected paddy farmers in the North Central Province (NCP), supported by field observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and follow-up field monitoring. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, correlation, and ANOVA in SAS. Results showed 96% of farmers used mechanized land preparation, reducing labour demand and improving weed control. Most (93%) practiced broadcasting of pre-germinated seeds, while 7% transplanted. Weeds were the main biological constraint (42%), followed by pests and diseases (25%). Dominant weeds included grasses such as <i>Echinochloa crus-galli</i>, <i>Ischaemum rugosum</i>, <i>Isachne globosa</i> and sedges such as <i>Fimbristylis milliacea</i>. Many farmers relied on herbicides purchased before the ban. About 45% applied Pretilachlor at recommended rates, while 25% used Pretilachlor-Metamifop tank mixture 4–5 days after sowing. Others used Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, MCPA, and Bispyribac sodium for post-emergence control. Despite official bans, herbicides such as paraquat (banned since 2014) and glyphosate (banned 2015–2022) remained available to significant percentage (10–15%) of farmers in NCP. Overall, 84% of farmers expressed frustration with ad-hoc policy shifts. Additionally, 66% reported that farm mechanization, chemical herbicide usage and lower percentage of younger generation entering in to paddy farming push paddy production towards large-scale commercial enterprise largely through informal land consolidation influencing weed management. In this context, adopting effective and efficient weed control strategies is essential to achieve higher productivity.</p>

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Weed management in paddy cultivation as affected by the ban on herbicide imports in Sri Lanka

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月4日

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  • Bandula Sanjeewa,
  • Lalith Suriyagoda,
  • Buddhi Marambe

摘要

Sri Lanka has periodically imposed bans or restrictions on pesticides, with the most recent ban in May-November 2021. Although decisions were later reversed, their effects on crop protection remain poorly documented. This study evaluated the weed management practices used by Sri Lankan paddy farmers as affected by the herbicide import ban. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to 205 randomly selected paddy farmers in the North Central Province (NCP), supported by field observations, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and follow-up field monitoring. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, correlation, and ANOVA in SAS. Results showed 96% of farmers used mechanized land preparation, reducing labour demand and improving weed control. Most (93%) practiced broadcasting of pre-germinated seeds, while 7% transplanted. Weeds were the main biological constraint (42%), followed by pests and diseases (25%). Dominant weeds included grasses such as Echinochloa crus-galli, Ischaemum rugosum, Isachne globosa and sedges such as Fimbristylis milliacea. Many farmers relied on herbicides purchased before the ban. About 45% applied Pretilachlor at recommended rates, while 25% used Pretilachlor-Metamifop tank mixture 4–5 days after sowing. Others used Florpyrauxifen-benzyl, MCPA, and Bispyribac sodium for post-emergence control. Despite official bans, herbicides such as paraquat (banned since 2014) and glyphosate (banned 2015–2022) remained available to significant percentage (10–15%) of farmers in NCP. Overall, 84% of farmers expressed frustration with ad-hoc policy shifts. Additionally, 66% reported that farm mechanization, chemical herbicide usage and lower percentage of younger generation entering in to paddy farming push paddy production towards large-scale commercial enterprise largely through informal land consolidation influencing weed management. In this context, adopting effective and efficient weed control strategies is essential to achieve higher productivity.