Feed cost constitutes 65-70% of production expense in the poultry sector in Sri Lanka. Considering the high prices of commercial poultry feed, small-scale farmers tend to formulate their own poultry feeds. However, whether these feeds meet the required nutritional levels of poultry is poorly documented. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of farm-formulated...
Despite the global reputation, Sri Lankan green tea faces challenges in complying with established microbiological standards. With increasing international demand, microbial and sensory parameters are critical for regulatory acceptance and market competitiveness. This study evaluated the microbiological and sensory quality of Sri Lankan green tea produced using three manufacturing methods...
Coconut is one of the three major plantation crops in Sri Lanka. It is not only important for the Sri Lankan economy but also an indispensable ingredient in many Sri Lankan cuisines. Mainly coconut is used either as coconut milk or as grated coconut in Sri Lanka. Although fresh coconut is traditionally used for Sri Lankan foods, processed coconut also has entered to the markets nowadays,...
The coconut cultivation is one of the most important sector of Sri Lanka’s plantation agriculture; however, it is currently challenged by a shortage of skilled coconut pluckers. This study investigates how the shortage of skilled labour influences coconut prices, market availability, cultivation practices, and overall production in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was adopted under...
Abstract
Plant diseases are a major constraint to crop productivity and food security, often causing substantial economic losses worldwide. Early and accurate detection of plant diseases is critical for effective management and mitigation, yet traditional methods rely heavily on manual inspection and expert knowledge, which can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and inaccessible to many...
Abstract
Extended abstract
Seaweeds are one of the important living resources of the marine environment. The marine red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii is primarily grown in Sri Lanka and has given valuable bioactive compounds; however, its biochemical importance remains unknown. The bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities of 70% methanolic extract of K....
ABSTRACT
This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of ghee residue inclusion in finisher diets on the blood serum metabolites and haematological indices of broiler chickens at the finisher stage. Two hundred and sixteen broiler chickens were randomly assigned to six treatment groups in a randomized complete block design , with three replicates per...
Abstract
Drinking water contamination is a major issue of public health concern in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, where dental and skeletal fluorosis can be resulted due to a prolonged exposure to excess fluoride. The study investigates use of Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) biomass as a low-cost, eco-friendly biosorbent to extract fluoride in ground water (GW) and surface water (SW). Biomass...
Agricultural extension services play a crucial role in improving farm productivity, technology adoption, and farmer livelihoods. This study assessed the level of paddy farmers’ satisfaction with agricultural extension services provided by the Department of Agriculture in Dambulla area of Sri Lanka and examined factors associated with satisfaction. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional...
The chemical composition of tea, especially its dry matter content, caffeine, and polyphenols, has a significant impact on its quality. The purpose of this study was to examine the dry matter content, caffeine concentration, and total polyphenol content (TPC) of specific black tea grades that were gathered from two main Sri Lankan tea-growing regions: Ruhuna (low-grown) and Dimbula...
Abstract
Extended Abstract
Abstract
In the contemporary globalized food market, the choice between imported and local commodities is often influenced by a complex interplay of economic pressures and consumer perceptions. This study investigated the factors shaping consumer preferences and adoption barriers for local brown sugar versus imported white sugar in the Matara District, Sri Lanka, utilizing Consumer...
Abstract
The continuous growth of the global population has increased the demand for nutritionally rich fruits and vegetables, while concerns related to post-harvest quality and safety have heightened. As fresh fruits are a highly perishable commodity, the development of natural and sustainable techniques to retain quality attributes and extend shelf life has become a major focus in food...
Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methodology
Results and discussion, Recommendation
Conclusion
Acknowledgement
References
Idli is a fermented breakfast food valued for its soft texture, easy digestibility, and health benefits. However, commercially available instant idli mixes often provide limited amounts of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential minerals. This study aimed to develop a nutritionally enhanced instant idli batter mix through fortification with Palmyrah (Borassus flabellifer L.) fruit pulp...
Snack bars are compact, nutrient-dense foods that provide convenient energy for active consumers. Palmyrah tuber flour (PTF) is obtained from the tuberous roots of the Palmyrah palm (Borassus flabellifer L), which are rich in carbohydrates, dietary fibre, and essential minerals. Despite its high nutritional value, PTF is underutilised in ready-to-eat value-added products, limiting consumer...
Development of jam hibiscus flower with melon
Sathiyadevan madhushalini¹ Thanuja Sivanathan¹
Department of food technology, University college of Jaffna,
University of vocational technology, Jaffna 40000 Sri Lanka.
Corresponding author: devanmadhushalini@gmail.com
Abstract
Jam is a semi-solid product obtained by cooking fruit with sugar to enhance flavor, texture, and
shelf life....
ABSTRACT
The parboiling process leads to improves rice quality and enhances the physio-chemical properties of grains. Parboiled rice exhibits several advantages over raw rice, such as strengthening kernel integrity by forming resistant starch, increased milling recovery and preventing the loss of nutrients during cooking. Agriculture Department recommended paddy varieties with red pericarp...
The development of functional foods requires careful selection of processing conditions that preserve the nutritional quality of raw materials while ensuring their suitability for formulation and storage. Cereals and legumes such as pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), green gram (Vigna radiata), and peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are nutritionally rich; however, their macro and micronutrient...
Changing climatic conditions are serious challenges to agricultural productivity, especially in the Dry Zone in Sri Lanka. In such contexts, Timely, accurate weather information is critical for enabling climate-resilient agricultural decisions. The Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP) has introduced WhatsApp-based weather information dissemination to support farmers....
Plant-based biostimulants are increasingly recognized as sustainable inputs for enhancing crop growth and productivity under protected vegetable cultivation. However, information on optimal application rates under polytunnel conditions remains limited. Banana male bud tonic is a plant-derived biostimulant rich in bioactive compounds that can stimulate plant growth and improve yield...
The present study examined the eusocial organization and mound architecture of fungus-growing Macrotermes termites and evaluated the biocontrol potential of fungal antagonists against both termites and their symbiotic fungus Termitomyces in Northern Sri Lanka. Field observations revealed large, dome-shaped mounds with efficient ventilation systems and well-organized internal chambers that...
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to submit my abstract for consideration for presentation at the International Conference on Development in Agriculture (ICDA) 2026. Please find the attached abstract entitled:
“Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties of Heen bovitiya (Osbeckia octandra. L) Leaf Extract”
I kindly request you to consider this submission under the relevant conference track. I...
Wastewater management is a growing concern in aquarium systems. The discharge of untreated aquarium effluent into the environment contributes to pollution and poses ecological risks. Large-scale aquaculture adopts advanced filtration technologies are often expensive and difficult for small-scale aquarium keepers. There is a need for low-cost and sustainable wastewater treatment strategies....
Abstract
Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) is a high-value horticultural crop well adapted to warm and dry climatic conditions; however, productivity in Sri Lanka’s dry zone remains limited due to unsuitable soil conditions and the high cost of conventional growing media. Protected cultivation can improve yield and fruit quality, but its sustainability depends on the availability of low-cost and...
The processed meat industry in Sri Lanka has responded to the growing consumer demand by offering a diverse range of value-added meat products, including meatballs. Among these, chicken meatballs are the most popular variety in Sri Lankan food culture. Other poultry meat sources such as quail and turkey possess considerable potential as alternative raw materials for meatball production. This...
Bacterial wilt (BW) is an economically important, soil-borne disease of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) that can cause severe yield losses up to 100%. Although the tomato variety Thilina has desirable fruit traits like thick pericarp, it shows only moderate bacterial wilt resistance. Grafting Thilina onto BW-resistant rootstocks offers an eco-friendly strategy for disease management. This study...
Agricultural extension officers play a vital role in ensuring the effective delivery of agricultural knowledge, technologies, and advisory services to farming communities. This study examined the perspectives of extension officers on the structure, effectiveness, and challenges of agricultural extension service delivery by the Department of Agriculture in Dambulla area of Sri Lanka. A...
Developing a sweetest and tastiest snack by using millets. Also formulate the healthier product for consumers who are like chocolate and also unlike the millets.
Abstract
This study aimed to develop value-added and flavored peanut spread formulations enriched with jackfruit seed powder, an underutilized agricultural by-product, to enhance nutritional quality while promoting sustainability. Jackfruit seed powder was incorporated for its functional benefits, including dietary fiber, starch, minerals, and antioxidant properties, while peanuts contributed...
From Participation to Empowerment: A Case Study of Women’s Changing Roles under the CRIWMP in Dry Zone Cascade Systems.
Wijerathne M.A.Y.K*¹,Wickramasinghe W.R.M.R.L.K¹,Jayaweera A.¹,Weerahewa J.²
Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Peradeniya¹, Department of Agricultural Economics and Business Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of...
Green synthesis of Iron nanoparticles using made tea and refused tea for dye removal in wastewater
M.A.A.P.M Athapaththu1, E.A.L Lochana1, V.P Ellepola1 and G.A.A.R Perera2
1Department of Export Agriculture, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
2Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Animal Science and Export Agriculture,...
This research explores the factors that influence the decision of Muslim consumers in Sri Lanka
to purchase halal food. The Theory of Planned Behavior was applied to us as we established a
framework which considers the factors such as Religious Commitment, Halal Certification, and
perceived quality of the product and impact by the social Influence system. This work is relatively...
Seed scarcity has emerged as a critical challenge in Sri Lanka’s paddy sector, particularly during peak cultivation seasons, as it directly affects timely planting, production efficiency, and the economic stability of smallholder farmers. Limited access to affordable and quality seed paddy often forces farmers to delay cultivation, switch varieties, or reuse inferior seeds, thereby increasing...
Abstract and Extended abstract
State-owned livestock farms play an important role in enhancing food security, rural employment, and agricultural development in Sri Lanka. Despite this importance, many government-managed livestock farms continue to experience persistent underperformance in terms of productivity, profitability, and operational efficiency evident by their published annual reports. This study investigates the...
Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting athletic performance, recovery, and long-term health. However, undergraduate sports persons in developing countries often experience difficulties in maintaining healthy dietary habits due to low-resource conditions. This study investigated the dietary habits and food choice factors influencing undergraduate sports persons at Sabaragamuwa...
Ralstonia solanacearum, a soil-borne bacterium, is responsible for bacterial wilt in a variety of solanaceous crops leading to significant yield losses. Using antibacterial agents to control bacterial wilt is expensive and may produce antimicrobial resistance. Theaflavin, a polyphenolic compound obtained from tea (Camellia sinensis), has shown antimicrobial effects previously. Hence, this...
Aflatoxin contamination in food can cause serious health risks. However, public awareness and preventive behaviours regarding contamination remain inadequate. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours (KAB) of Sri Lankan housewives regarding aflatoxins and to examine the factors affecting the level of knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours using structural equation...
Food waste in institutional food service systems is an emerging sustainability concern, particularly in university canteens where food is prepared daily under uncertain demand conditions. In Sri Lanka, limited research has examined practical, low-cost strategies to reduce food waste in university kitchens. This study focuses on mitigating food waste through recipe optimization and efficient...
Abstract
Cycas sp. is an underutilized carbohydrate source in Sri Lanka that holds significant potential for integration into the human diet. Starch obtained from Cycas could serve as a viable alternative to commonly used starch sources in food applications. This study focused on characterising Cycas starch, evaluating its structural, physicochemical, and morphological properties to...
Poruthumaan is an underutilized medicinal creeper widely grown in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka and traditionally consumed for relieving menstrual discomfort, enhance bone strength, and managing arthritis. Despite its long-standing use in local diets, its nutritional and functional values have not been scientifically reported. This study aimed to analyze the proximate composition, mineral...
Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomun verum) is a globally demanded spice valued for its specific flavor, positioning it as the world’s largest exporter. The Cinnamon Research Centre of Sri Lanka has developed two high yielding cultivars, Sri Gemunu and Sri Wijaya, producing yield up to 600 kg per acre under optimal management conditions. These cultivars are vegetatively propagated for commercial...
Abstract
Expanding production of non-biodegradable plastic packaging material is raising global concerns regarding environmental pollution. The production of synthetic packaging materials depletes non-renewable natural resources. The main purpose of this study is to develop an agriculture by-product-based renewable packaging material that can replace plastic packaging and serve as a food...
Polyphenol composition in black tea plays an important role in antioxidant potential, sensory qualities, and overall health benefits. To determine the quality of the tea, it is important to know the levels of the different polyphenol compositions in the various regions where tea is cultivated. The total polyphenol content (TPC) of "Broken Orange Pekoe Fannings" (BOPF) grade black tea was...
Abstract
Bovine mastitis is a major constraint to dairy production in Sri Lanka, particularly in dry-zone districts such as Anuradhapura. This study investigated mastitis occurrence, seasonal variation, and antimicrobial resistance patterns among dairy cattle in Anuradhapura District from 2023 to 2025. Data was obtained from routine laboratory records covering all 22 veterinary divisions...
Maize production in the dry zone of Sri Lanka faces increasing vulnerability to climate change, requiring adaptive strategies such as optimizing sowing dates. This study assessed the impact of different sowing dates on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and phenology under current and future climate scenarios. Five sowing dates representing early and late planting periods were selected based on...
Soil physical changes due to mulching under dry zone conditions: Evidence from Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes) cultivation in Kilinochchi, Sri Lanka
T. G. S. Methmal*1, T. Sellathurai1, S. Sritharan2
1 – Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna
2- Farm Unit, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jaffna
Abstract
Soil physical...
Individual tree crown detection (ITCD) and tree species classification are critical for forest inventory, species-specific monitoring, and ecological studies. However, accurately detecting tree crowns and identifying species in structurally complex forests with overlapping canopies remains challenging. This study was conducted in a complex mixed conifer–broadleaf forest in northern Japan,...
The chocolate market in Sri Lanka has grown swiftly, providing a diverse range of chocolates in addition to chocolate-covered snack items referred to as “chocos.” Nonetheless, expanding the range of products has led to consumer confusion about the differences between chocolates and chocos, influencing views on quality, health benefits, and worth. This research investigates consumer awareness,...
The dairy sector is a fundamental component of the rural economy in Sri Lanka. However, production in the Dry Zone is hampered by low productivity and suboptimal resource allocation. This study was conducted to evaluate the factors influencing the technical efficiency of dairy production across diverse farming systems in the Dry Zone and to identify potential productivity improvements within...
A quantitaive study about how virtual farm tours effect for the agro tourism destination selction with the modarate effect with trust
