Nianthi, K. W. G. Rekha creator Thapa, Gopal B. Chairperson Routray, Jayant Kumar Examination Committee Wickramanayake, B.W.E. Examination Committee NORAD (Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation) Scholarship Donor text series technical report th Bangkok Asian Institute of Techology 1998 continuing eng 120 leaves : ill. The main objective of this study was to examine factors influenCing cropping pattern in two districts of to the Dry zone of Sri Lanka. Specially, Anuradhapura district with 22 divisions and Polonnaruwa district with 6 divisions was selected for this study. Cropping pattern and determinants were examined for all divisions. Owing to unavailability of division level information the analysis of crop production and determinants had to be limited to the district level while most required information were obtained from secondary sources. Information on agricultural development potentials and constraints were obtained through rapid appraisal conducted in two villages of each of the district. The agricultural activities in the study area can be divided in to lowland cultivation and upland cultivation. Lowland cultivation is mainly paddy under rain-fed and irrigated systems. Upland cultivation is mainly for other field crop cultivation and also takes place under rain-fed and irrigated condition. Four cropping patterns were identified in the study area. Topography, soil, rainfall, irrigation and water management, price of the crops, agricultural input, credits and extension service was the major factors influencing the cropping pattern. In all cropping pattern rice was found to be the dominant crop. Chili, maize, blackgram, cowpea and coconut were the minor crops. The proportional areas under the staple and minor crops vary from one division to another. Based on farmers problems recommendations are made to implement three major projects to enhance agricultural production in the study area. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1998 Cropping systems Sri Lanka Asian Institute of Technology. http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B12845 http://203.159.5.9/ait-thesis/detail.php?q=B12845 110399 20260817171536.0