Sri Lanka Association for the Advdncement of Science Proceedin1s of the TJaAnnual Sessions 2Ol; ParI 1- Abstract. 91.2/B Small scale poultry farming related constraints in Panduwasnuwara divisional secretariat division of Kurunegala district, Sri Lanka T.G.S. L. Prakash'and M.T.C. Perera Deportment of Forestty and Environment Science, University of Sri .loyewordenepurs, Gongodowilo, Nugegodo, 'ri Lonko Poultry is the most developed livestock sub sector in Sri Lanka, and has shown a phenomenal groMh over the past three decades. The highest number of the poultry farms in one district is located in the Kurunegala district (L9,044). However, ?4% of layer farms and 62% of broier farms located in the district are small scale and rear fewer than 1.000 chickens, and the existing business environment is not comfortable for small scale poultry farmers. This study attempted to determine the constraints related to small scale poultry farming in the Panduwasnuwara divisional secretariat division of the Kurunegala district, where the largest number of poultry farms are clustered in a unit area. The study design was a qualitative one. The small scale poultry farmers in the area were the subjects of study and data were collected through an oral interview with randomly selected small scale farmers and stakeholders (n = 103). Field survey and participant observation approach were also employed in the study. The saturation method was the guiding method. Data were analyzed through the framework analysis method. lncreasing cost of feed and equipment, hardness of water, lack of day old chicks, fluctuation of egg a nd poultry meat prices, no proper mechanism to preserve the excess production in low demand seasons, no adequate factories to produce value added products, a mafia of veterinary product compa nies and poultry feed producers, lack of veterinary services, low quality of the products due to excess usage of veterinary drugs, lack of micro financing facilities which can be beneficial for low income people to enter the industry, socio-cultural and religious issues, and legal constraints are identified as the problems faced by the small scale poultry farmers in the 3rea. Small poultry flocks managed by individual farm families led to obtaining food security, income and gainful employment for women and children. Therefore the government should take necessary steps to overcome the above-mentioned problems and it can be beneficial for socio-economic development of the country through developing the quality of life in low income households. Key words: Agriculture, Domesticated fowl, Rural economy. prakashtgsl@gmail.com t43 Tel:+94 777937264