15. Analyzing adaptation of organic fertilizer in paddy farming: Evidence from Batticaloa district in Sri Lanka

The agriculture sector plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and providing raw materials for other sectors of the economy. Paddy, one of the world's most significant staple crops, sustains nearly half of the global population. Since the Industrial Revolution, the intensive use of chemical fertilizers has enhanced crop yields but also contributed to soil degradation, declining longterm productivity, rising input costs, and adverse environmental impacts. In April 2021, the Government of Sri Lanka implemented a sudden ban on agrochemicals with the aim of reducing dependence on imports and addressing environmental and health concerns. However, the abrupt transition to organic fertilizer use severely disrupted paddy cultivation, resulting in a sharp decline in agricultural productivity. This challenge was particularly pronounced in regions such as the Batticaloa district, where the supply chain and institutional support for organic fertilizer were underdeveloped. Despite growing global interest in the impacts of organic farming, limited research has examined the localized effects of this transition in Batticaloa. This study addresses this gap by employing a mixedmethods approach, combining structured questionnaires, farmer interviews, and statistical analysis to explore the adaptation of organic fertilizer in paddy farming. The research investigates the socio-economic, environmental, technological, and cultural dimensions of farmers’ experiences during this transition. Findings are expected to shed light on both the benefits and challenges of organic fertilizer adoption, offering evidence-based insights for policymakers to design more effective and context-sensitive strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture in Sri Lanka.