• August 23, 2024
• Udawalawe National Park, Wildlife in Sri Lanka
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• by Uditha Arambawela

Agriculture Beyond the Park

Udawalawe National Park, is often celebrated for its diverse flora and fauna. However, beyond the park’s boundaries lies a thriving agricultural landscape that plays a vital role in the local economy and the country’s agricultural backbone and cultural heritage. This article takes a quick look at the agricultural surrounding Udawalawe, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in this region.

Traditional Agriculture

The lands surrounding Udawalawe have been cultivated for centuries, with traditional agricultural methods passed down through generations. Paddy cultivation, or rice farming, remains a cornerstone of the local economy. The fertile soils and abundant water resources provided by the Walawe River make this region ideal for rice production. Farmers often employ traditional techniques like using buffalo to plow the fields and harvesting rice by hand, preserving a way of life that has been passed down through generations. This employs a lot of people but does not have a very high productivity rate.

Sugarcane
This is one of the main regions for sugarcane and it is done in large farms with Coops to manage the production.
Mainly located south of the park the sugarcane fields are a beautiful contrast to the wilds of the park. The main road cutting through Udawalawe has the reservoir and the park on one side and the sugarcane fields which makes for a beautiful look.

This is a main revenue earner for the area and is set to increase in terms of production in the coming years.

Challenges and Opportunities

Farmers in the Udawalawe region face several challenges, including:

• Human-wildlife conflict: The proximity of the park to agricultural lands can lead to conflicts with wildlife, such as elephants damaging crops.
• Climate change: Climate change poses a significant threat to agriculture in the region, with increasing droughts and floods affecting crop yields.
• Market fluctuations: Fluctuations in global commodity prices can impact the income of farmers, making it difficult to plan for the future.

Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for agricultural development in the Udawalawe region. Sustainable farming practices, such as organic agriculture and agroforestry, can help to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture while improving soil health and biodiversity. Moreover, there is potential for value-added agricultural products, such as processed food and handicrafts, to increase farmers’ incomes.

In conclusion, the agricultural landscape surrounding Udawalawe National Park is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of local communities. Despite the challenges posed by wildlife conflict, climate change, and market fluctuations, farmers continue to cultivate the land using traditional methods and embrace new opportunities for sustainable development. By promoting community-based conservation and supporting sustainable agricultural practices, we can help to ensure the long-term prosperity of both the park and the people who live and work in its vicinity.

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