Peasants Lead the Way: Asavanu Festival Highlights Success of Agroecological Rice Cultivation

The Asavanu Festival, a celebration of agricultural innovation and traditional farming practices, took center stage this week as it unveiled the results of a groundbreaking research project on rice cultivation. The study by local farmers and agricultural experts compared the effects of natural inputs, chemical fertilizers, and other methods on rice yield, offering promising insights into sustainable farming practices.

The research was carried out in the paddy fields of Ranjani Dayaseeli, a pioneering farmer-researcher in the Suriya Wewa area of the Hambantota Southern province of Sri Lanka. Dayaseeli cultivated the AT 362 rice variety under controlled environmental conditions using four different types of fertilizers: chemical fertilizers, super compost, Jeewamurtham (a traditional organic fertilizer), and vermicompost. The experiment aimed to measure the rice plants’ growth, health, and yield under each input, providing valuable data for farmers seeking sustainable alternatives to chemical-dependent agriculture.

A Scientific Approach to Traditional Farming

Dayaseeli’s paddy field was divided into carefully measured beds, each 3 meters long and 1 meter wide, with three 50-centimeter squares marked for detailed observation. Over the growing season, researchers monitored the plants’ growth, including their height, leaf count, and overall health, at regular intervals. The yield from each square was harvested separately, and the average yield per input was calculated to determine the most effective method.

“We wanted to experiment properly so that we could share reliable results with other farmers,” Dayaseeli explained. “By using the same rice variety and environmental conditions, we ensured that the differences in yield were solely due to the type of fertilizer used.”

The results were striking. While chemical fertilizers yielded 3,280 kilograms per acre (Wet weight), organic inputs such as vermicompost and Jeewamurtham outperformed them, with yields of 4,212 kilograms and 4,146 kilograms per acre (Wet weight),, respectively. Super compost also showed promising results, yielding 4,013 kilograms per acre(Wet weight),. These findings challenge the conventional reliance on chemical fertilizers and highlight the potential of organic farming to boost productivity while preserving soil health.

A Festival of Unity and Empowerment

The Asavanu Festival, which traditionally marks the beginning of the harvest season, took on a deeper significance this year as it celebrated the collaborative efforts of farmers, researchers, and government officials. Chandana Ratnayake, Additional District Secretary for Lands, praised the initiative, noting that it embodied the spirit of unity and traditional values.

“I was truly inspired to see farmers working together and embracing innovation,” Ratnayake said. “The fact that a peasant woman like Ranjani Dayaseeli is leading this research is a testament to the power of grassroots efforts. This is how we empower our farming communities.”

Chaminda Paragodaarachchi, an advisor on agriculture and livelihoods with MONLAR (Movement for National Land and Agricultural Reform), emphasized the broader implications of the research. He pointed out that the global agrochemical industry’s dominance leaves farmers vulnerable to price fluctuations and environmental degradation.

“To break free from this dependency, we need to develop our inputs and validate them through scientific research,” Paragodaarachchi said. “This study is a step toward achieving that goal. It shows that organic inputs can not only match but surpass the yield of chemical fertilizers.”

A Vision for the Future

The research conducted in Dayaseeli’s paddy fields is part of a larger initiative involving 15 farmers across five provinces in Sri Lanka. The project extends beyond rice cultivation, encompassing crops such as corn, sweet potatoes, chilies, cabbage, carrots, and okra. By testing organic inputs on a variety of crops, the researchers aim to create a comprehensive framework for sustainable agriculture.

Paragodaarachchi called for continued experimentation and collaboration to solidify the findings. “We need to test these methods over multiple seasons to ensure their reliability,” he said. “But the current results are encouraging. They prove that agroecology—a system that works with nature rather than against it—can secure our food future.”

The Asavanu Festival concluded with a powerful message of hope and resilience. As farmers gathered to celebrate their harvest, they also looked ahead to a future where sustainable practices could transform agriculture in Sri Lanka and beyond.

“This is not just about research or farming,” Paragodaarachchi said. “It’s about building a new path for our country and the world. The knowledge and experience we gain here will shape the future of agriculture. Let us work together to make agroecology the foundation of our food systems.”

With the success of this year’s festival, the Asavanu initiative has set a precedent for farmer-led research and sustainable farming practices, offering a blueprint for a healthier, more resilient agricultural future.