Ever wonder a farmer as a profession?

Introduction

“Man - despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication, and his many accomplishments — owes his existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains”

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Sri Lankan Farmer

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Farmers are the backbone of society. They are the ones who provide people all the food that people eat. Since every person needs proper food for their living, so they are a necessity in society. In the ancient time Sri Lanka was known as the granary of East. King Parakramabahu who made the country self-sufficient in the rice during the Polonnaruwa period. Ancient and traditional farmers were self sufficient in rice production and ancient Ceylon said to have been among the foremost paddy exporters in the world.

The primary form of agriculture in Sri Lanka is rice production. Rice is cultivated during Maha and Yala season. Tea is cultivated in the central Highlands and is a major source of foreign exchange. Vegetables, fruits, and oilseed crops are also cultivated in the country. Out of the total population in Sri Lanka, 31.8% involved in agricultural activities.

Personal requirements for a Farmer

If you want to become a farmer, personal requirements are important to carry out this job as a profession. Because it is a job that you should give your commitment both personally and mentally.

• Good at planning
• Able to analyze and solve problems
• Mechanical aptitude
• Responsible approach and attitudes
• Enjoy working outdoors in all kinds of weather
• Able to work both in a team and with limited social contact
• Able to handle animals with confidence and patience

Education and training for a Farmer

You can work as a farmer or farm manager without formal qualifications, although in skills in farm management, crop management and/or animal husbandry are considered essential. You may learn these skills from an experienced farmer or farm manager on a working farm of formally at an educational institution.

Courses may focus on specific areas of agriculture or all aspects of farm management. You can also become a farmer or farm manager by completing a degree in agricultural, agribusiness, animal science, agricultural science or rural science. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Advanced Level of education in a higher level. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements.

• Mahailluppalama Sub Campus
• University of Colombo Institute of Agro - Technology and Rural Sciences
• Sri Lanka School of Agriculture- Institute of Continuous Education Gannoruwa
• The Higher National Diploma in Food Technology ( HNDFT )
• Farm Mechanization Training Center

Farm income

Farm income refers to profits and losses that are incurred through the operation of a farm or agricultural business.

Farmer

In the Sri Lanka context, the farmer has faced so many challenges and struggles in this job. But with the projects implemented by the government has been a significant thing so far. The following table shows that how much income does a farmer get with their roughly.

Farm Manager

The farm manager is responsible for daily planning, organizing, supervision, and administration activities of the farm estates.

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Many farmers, especially ones from undeveloped and developing countries rely on agriculture for their family's livelihood. It's the primary source of their food products and income. Agriculture provides direct employment for farmers who depend on it to sustain themselves and their families. So, it's okay to do this as a career. Nowadays the government has been implementing projects to stand Sri Lankan farmers. http://www.agrimin.gov.lk/web/index.php/en/project

Extend the profession

Other than a farmer, you could go to the higher level of your career nothing but with your education. Many jobs out there are waiting for you to grab. But you need to level up with those qualifications. Then, it is not anymore a dream for you. The following jobs are examples of it.