Water scarcity and its impact on agriculture: a case study with reference to Sammanturai area

Abstract

Sri Lanka is an Agriculture (Paddy) country and several people are depending on it. Paddy cultivated both Maha and Yala season. Water scarcity is a current burning issue and it creates adverse effects on paddy cultivation in Sammanthurai DSD. The objective of this study is to identify the factors that affecting water scarcity in the study area, observing the socio- economic and environmental impacts on agriculture due to water scarcity and find the proper mitigation measures in the study area. To achieve these objectives both primary and secondary data were collected. 100 samples were collected under random method to affected farmers in the Sammanthurai DSD. Secondary data were collected from some relevant authorities. All the data were subjected to the analysis with Arc GIS 10.3, Ms Excel and Ms Word. It was found that rainfall and temperature variability, sever evaporation level, poor maintain the natural canal system, shortage of supply of water and excessive utilizing water were caused to water scarcity in the study area. Downfall the economics of the people, Low income of agriculture, mental problems, Land degradation and changing landscape were found under impacts on socio- economic and environmental in the study area. As a solution, Available water resource need to be managed and maintain properly and establish more irrigation facilities in the yala season were recommended.