Success Factors and Challenges in Sri Lanka's SL-GAP Program for Vegetable Crops

Strategic Insights -

A study conducted at Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka has identified key factors influencing the success of the SL-GAP certification for food safety and quality in Sri Lanka's vegetable crop sector. The researchers found that extension officer contact, farming experience, government funding, GAP training, and internet access significantly influenced SL-GAP adoption among farmers in the Kegalle district. The study also revealed that despite a higher awareness of site management, irrigation, fertilizer application, and storage among GAP-adopted farmers, there was a lack of awareness regarding quality management, postharvest practices, worker welfare, record keeping, and traceability. Major constraints faced by SL-GAP-certified farmers included a lack of premium prices, inadequate marketing channels, high production costs, and fertilizer shortages.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study sampled 50 GAP-adopted and 50 non-adopted farmers using purposive sampling, collecting data from March to April 2022.
  • Extension officer contact, farming experience, government funding, GAP training, and internet access significantly influenced SL-GAP adoption.
  • GAP-adopted farmers were fully aware of site management, irrigation, fertilizer application, and storage, but had less awareness of quality management, postharvest practices, worker welfare, record keeping, and traceability.
  • Non-adopted farmers had varying awareness across GAP standards.
  • Major constraints for SL-GAP-certified farmers included a lack of premium prices, inadequate marketing channels, high production costs, and fertilizer shortages.
  • GAP adopters expressed higher satisfaction with extension programs, particularly farm visits, field days, and informational materials.
  • The study concluded that more frequent contact and GAP training are essential for the successful implementation of the SL-GAP program in Kegalle.
  • Government provision of necessary inputs and tailored funding programs were recommended.

Statistics:

  • From 2015 to the present, Sri Lanka's SL-GAP program has shown slow progress, particularly in farmer adaptation and recertification.
  • 50 GAP-adopted and 50 non-adopted farmers were sampled in the study.
  • The analysis employed descriptive statistics, the Mann-Whitney U test, and Binary Logistic Regression.
  • The study concluded that more frequent contact and GAP training are essential for the successful implementation of the SL-GAP program.

Sources:

  • Ikonomika i upravlenie na selskoto stopanstvo, 2025,69(3).
  • DOI: 10.61308/LPGX9324
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.61308/LPGX9324