COMPAS - Newsletter for Endogenous Development Book 008 Nature Farming

The indigenous farming system of Sri Lanka was a close integration of livestock management (especially cattle and goat), mixed home garden system, upland dry farming of rice, other grains, oil crops and vegetables (Kekulama) as a component of "Chena"– shifting cultivation, and lowland rice–paddy cultivation with a very well organized centrally planned water shed and water management system. This is a good indication of farmers being fully occupied and gainfully employed as compared to today's rice farmers who are finding it very difficult to manage day to day expenditure.