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This study examined the training needs of small rubber farmers in Kalutara district of Sri Lanka A
multistage purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from 390 small farmers in three
divisional Secretariats in Kalutara district to ensure representative sample size for the study. The data
were collected through the administration of structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using
frequency distribution, percentage distribution and by employing binary logistic regression model. To
verify the impact of the dependent and independent variables, six hypotheses were tested. The study
found that experience of farmer, age of farmer, land size and number of hours spent on rubber farming
are the primary factors that significantly influence training requirements of rubber farmers in Kalutara
district. These findings are consistent with existing research findings of Alarima et al. (2011), Adesoji
et al. (2006) and Pierre-André et al. (2010). Further, results showed that the majority of respondents had
expressed their needs for training about identification of diseases and chemical application for their land.
Second preference was given for correct method of preparation land for the cultivation. The study
emphasized that these factors should be highly considered when planning and organizing training for
rubber farmers in Sri Lanka for the training to be efficient.
