9 - NSF Digital Library

J.A. de S. Siriwardene
workshop gave high priority to the need for training on maximizing
production on limited land. Training material is being developed in line
with the priority training needs identified by farmers. A number of
training programmes for farmers have been conducted at Kuliyapitiya and
Thambuttegama. The Project also conducted a training course on
nutrition for extension staff at the ICEAH in August this year. The
services of an expatriate Consultant were obtained to assist with this
course.
A programme for creating public awareness on buffalo
production has been launched in collaboration with the University of
Peradeniya, DAPH and the Department of Agriculture. The Project has
plans to carry programmes on television and radio during the next year.
A schools radio quiz programme is scheduled to be held next year.
Training videos will also be produced for use in farmer training
programmes.
1 Demonstration of Intensive Management of Buffaloes
Rural farmers particularly in the dry zone, who have depended
to a large extent on communal grazing lands for maintenance of their
stock, are finding it increasingly dtfficult to maintain their buffaloes and
cattle in the face of dirninishlng availability of grazing land.
Traditionally, these animals were reared in large herds to ensure the social
security of farmers. Animals are generally sold for meat in times of
financial need. With increasing alienation of land for agricultural
purposes, farmers are compelled to reduce the size of herds, which will
mean a decline in their potential source of income. Moreover, there is a
trend towards migration of children of farmers away from their homes, in
search of more lucrative and prestigious occupations. Parents are findtng
it increasingly di£Ecult to manage large herds of animals, due to a gradual
reduction in famdy labour. The tendency is for farmers to opt for smaller
' herds of dual purpose stock.
In order to encourage farmers to adopt more intensive
management practices through demonstration of intensive management
methods, the Project has established 8 demonstration farms at
Thambuttegama and 15 more in the Kuliyapitiya, Bingiriya and Pannala
Veterinary ranges in the Kurunegala District. At Thambuttegama, the