Economic Feasibility of Integrating Jamnapari Goat into Underutilized Pasture Lands under Coconut Cultivations: A Case Study of Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka

Abstract

The coconut industry plays a vital role in the economy of Sri Lanka. Approximately 443,528 ha of land is cultivated with coconuts in Sri Lanka, and the estate sector itself contributes 40 % of the national production. This study was conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of integrating Jamnapari goats into underutilized pasture lands under coconut cultivations managed by the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Naturally grown and improved pasture samples were collected from two coconut estates in Bandirippuwa and Makandura, Sri Lanka. Quadrat cut samples were taken randomly and analyzed for dry matter availability (kg/ha), crude protein (CP), and crude fibre (CF). An economic feasibility analysis was carried out based on average dry matter yields and respective carrying capacities of pastures and related production and economics data. The mean dry matter yield of natural and improved pastures ranged 2141±193 kg/ha to 3314±212 kg/ha and 4231±407 kg/ha to 9152±531 kg/ha, respectively. Accordingly, CP and CF of natural and improved pastures ranged 6.3±0.2 % to 18.5±0.2 % and 30.0±0.4 % to 33±0.3 %, respectively. Grass and legume percentages of natural and improved pastures varied from 1.9 % to 66.3 % and 7.0 % to 83.9 %. Estimated Jamnapari goat carrying capacities for natural and improved pastures were 8-11 heads/ha and 24-27 heads/ha, including does, kids, and a buck, respectively. The net present value (NPV) for the coconut monoculture system was around 0.45 million rupees, whereas, for integrated systems with natural and improved pastures, it was 1.4 and 4.7 million rupees, respectively at a 15 % discount rate for 10 years. This study concluded that the economic feasibility and profitability were higher when goats were integrated with improved pasture and natural pasture, respectively, compared to monoculture.