Научная статья на тему 'Bank loans to agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka'

Bank loans to agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka Текст научной статьи по специальности «Сельское хозяйство, лесное хозяйство, рыбное хозяйство»

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Ключевые слова
banks / loan / small and medium enterprises / agriculture sector / Sri Lanka / банки / кредит / малый и средний бизнес / сельскохозяйственный сектор / Шри-Ланка

Аннотация научной статьи по сельскому хозяйству, лесному хозяйству, рыбному хозяйству, автор научной работы — Vickneswaran Anojan, Vickneshwaran Thanuja

Целью данного исследования является изучение влияния банковских кредитов для сельскохозяйственных малых и средних предприятий (МСП) на эффективность сельскохозяйственного сектора, в частности, оценка того, как эта финансовая поддержка влияет на общую производительность сельскохозяйственного сектора в Шри-Ланке. Данные как для зависимых, так и для независимых переменных были получены из годовых отчетов Министерства финансов, охватывающих период исследования с 2012 по 2021 год. В исследовании оценивается эффективность 16 различных сельскохозяйственных видов экономической деятельности, каждый из которых вносит уникальный вклад в экономику Шри-Ланки. Описательная статистика, особенно средние значения, подчеркивает особенности сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки. Примечательно, что существует значительная разница в среднем валовом внутреннем производстве, при этом морское рыболовство и морская аквакультура считаются высокопродуктивными. В то же время выращивание других культур для производства напитков демонстрирует значительно меньший вклад. Важно отметить, что регрессионный анализ подтверждает положительное и статистически значимое влияние банковских кредитов сельскохозяйственным МСП на эффективность всего сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки. Это обосновывает фундаментальную потребность в адекватных банковских кредитах для сельскохозяйственных МСП, чтобы расширить возможности и повысить эффективность всего сельскохозяйственного сектора. Поскольку это исследование проливает свет на положительную корреляцию между банковскими кредитами для сельскохозяйственных МСП и эффективностью сельскохозяйственного сектора, оно подчеркивает важность адаптированной государственной политики в отношении пропорций и сумм кредитов для различных видов экономической деятельности в сельскохозяйственном секторе.

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Банковские кредиты сельскохозяйственным МСП и эффективность сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of bank loans for agricultural SMEs on agriculture sector performance, specifically assessing how this financial support influences the overall performance of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. Data for both dependent and independent variables were meticulously sourced from the annual reports of the Ministry of Finance, covering the study period from 2012 to 2021. The study evaluates the performance of 16 distinct agricultural economic activities, each contributing uniquely to Sri Lanka's economy. The descriptive statistics, particularly the mean values, highlight intriguing aspects of Sri Lanka's agricultural sector. Notably, there is a considerable disparity in the average gross domestic production, with marine fishing and marine aquaculture emerging as highly productive. At the same time, the growing of other beverage crops demonstrates a significantly lower contribution. Crucially, the regression analysis affirms a positive and statistically significant impact of bank loans to agricultural SMEs on the performance of the overall agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. This substantiates the fundamental need for adequate bank loans for agricultural SMEs to empower and enhance the performance of the entire agriculture sector. As this study sheds light on the positive correlation between bank loans for agricultural SMEs and agricultural sector performance, it underscores the importance of tailored public policies concerning loan proportions and amounts for distinct economic activities within the agriculture sector.

Текст научной работы на тему «Bank loans to agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka»

Информатика. Экономика. Управление// Informatics. Economics. Management

2024; 3(2) http://oajiem.com/

УДК: 336 EDN: MAEDGO

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47813/2782-5280-2024-3-2-0101-0114

Bank loans to agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka

Vickneswaran Anojan1, Vickneshwaran Thanuja2

department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of

Jaffna, Sri Lanka

2Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Abstract. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of bank loans for agricultural SMEs on agriculture sector performance, specifically assessing how this financial support influences the overall performance of the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. Data for both dependent and independent variables were meticulously sourced from the annual reports of the Ministry of Finance, covering the study period from 2012 to 2021. The study evaluates the performance of 16 distinct agricultural economic activities, each contributing uniquely to Sri Lanka's economy. The descriptive statistics, particularly the mean values, highlight intriguing aspects of Sri Lanka's agricultural sector. Notably, there is a considerable disparity in the average gross domestic production, with marine fishing and marine aquaculture emerging as highly productive. At the same time, the growing of other beverage crops demonstrates a significantly lower contribution. Crucially, the regression analysis affirms a positive and statistically significant impact of bank loans to agricultural SMEs on the performance of the overall agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. This substantiates the fundamental need for adequate bank loans for agricultural SMEs to empower and enhance the performance of the entire agriculture sector. As this study sheds light on the positive correlation between bank loans for agricultural SMEs and agricultural sector performance, it underscores the importance of tailored public policies concerning loan proportions and amounts for distinct economic activities within the agriculture sector.

Keywords: banks, loan, small and medium enterprises, agriculture sector, Sri Lanka.

For citation: Anojan, V., & Thanuja, V. (2024). Bank loans to agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. Informatics. Economics. Management, 3(2), 0101-0114. https://doi.org/10.47813/2782-5280-2024-3-2-0101-0114

Банковские кредиты сельскохозяйственным МСП и эффективность сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-

Ланки

Викнесваран Аноян1, Викнешваран Тануджа2

1 Кафедра бухгалтерского учета, Факультет менеджмента и коммерции, Университет Джафны, Шри-Ланка

© V. Апс)ап, V. ТЬапща, 2024 0101

2Кафедра управления человеческими ресурсами, Факультет менеджмента и коммерции, Университет Джафны, Шри-Ланка

Аннотация. Целью данного исследования является изучение влияния банковских кредитов для сельскохозяйственных малых и средних предприятий (МСП) на эффективность сельскохозяйственного сектора, в частности, оценка того, как эта финансовая поддержка влияет на общую производительность сельскохозяйственного сектора в Шри-Ланке. Данные как для зависимых, так и для независимых переменных были получены из годовых отчетов Министерства финансов, охватывающих период исследования с 2012 по 2021 год. В исследовании оценивается эффективность 16 различных сельскохозяйственных видов экономической деятельности, каждый из которых вносит уникальный вклад в экономику Шри-Ланки. Описательная статистика, особенно средние значения, подчеркивает особенности сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки. Примечательно, что существует значительная разница в среднем валовом внутреннем производстве, при этом морское рыболовство и морская аквакультура считаются высокопродуктивными. В то же время выращивание других культур для производства напитков демонстрирует значительно меньший вклад. Важно отметить, что регрессионный анализ подтверждает положительное и статистически значимое влияние банковских кредитов сельскохозяйственным МСП на эффективность всего сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки. Это обосновывает фундаментальную потребность в адекватных банковских кредитах для сельскохозяйственных МСП, чтобы расширить возможности и повысить эффективность всего сельскохозяйственного сектора. Поскольку это исследование проливает свет на положительную корреляцию между банковскими кредитами для сельскохозяйственных МСП и эффективностью сельскохозяйственного сектора, оно подчеркивает важность адаптированной государственной политики в отношении пропорций и сумм кредитов для различных видов экономической деятельности в сельскохозяйственном секторе.

Ключевые слова: банки, кредит, малый и средний бизнес, сельскохозяйственный сектор, Шри-Ланка.

Для цитирования: Аноян, В., & Тануджа, В. (2024). Банковские кредиты сельскохозяйственным МСП и эффективность сельскохозяйственного сектора Шри-Ланки. Информатика. Экономика. Управление - Informatics. Economics. Management, 3(2), 0101-0114. https://doi.org/10.47813/2782-5280-2024-3-2-0101-0114

INTRODUCTION Background of the study

The agriculture sector is not only crucial for addressing the world's food and agricultural challenges but also for advancing progress toward the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its contributions extend beyond food production to encompass poverty reduction, economic growth, gender equality, environmental stewardship, and broader social and economic development objectives. Therefore, promoting sustainable agriculture practices and investments is essential for achieving a more sustainable and equitable future.

Many countries work with UN sustainable goals in the present world [1]. Here, agriculture sectors can contribute significantly to many of UN goals in the following ways [2].

Agriculture is fundamental to ending hunger (SDG 2) by increasing food production and improving access to nutritious food. Sustainable farming practices can enhance crop yields and ensure a stable food supply, reducing food insecurity and malnutrition.

Agriculture provides livelihoods for a significant portion of the global population, particularly in developing countries. Empowering small-scale farmers and promoting sustainable agriculture can alleviate poverty (SDG 1) by increasing income and economic opportunities.

The agriculture sector contributes to economic growth (SDG 8) by generating income, creating jobs, and fostering rural development. Investment in agricultural infrastructure and value chains can boost productivity and stimulate economic activity.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality (SDG 5) by empowering women in rural areas who are often involved in farming and food production. Ensuring equal access to resources, training, and opportunities for women in agriculture is essential for gender equity.

Sustainable farming practices can help protect water resources and ensure clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) by reducing soil erosion, minimizing water pollution, and conserving water.

Sustainable agriculture practices can help preserve biodiversity and ecosystems on land (SDG 15) by preventing deforestation, protecting natural habitats, and promoting agroecological approaches. Agriculture is both impacted by and contributes to climate change. Sustainable farming practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change.

The agriculture sector can promote responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) by reducing food waste, adopting sustainable farming methods, and adhering to ethical supply chain practices. Collaboration and partnerships between governments, organizations, and stakeholders are essential for achieving the SDGs. The agriculture sector provides opportunities for public-private partnerships, knowledge sharing, and capacity building to support sustainable development.

Agricultural innovation and technology can enhance productivity, reduce resource use, and improve resilience to environmental challenges, aligning with SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

Many businesses are facing difficulties to survive significantly after the COVID-19 and unexpected economic crises in Sri Lanka. The post-effects of COVID-19 are very serious all over the part of the world. Especially, small, and medium enterprises are suffering a lot due to many reasons including their capital, the small size of business, difficulties in accessing private financing, and climate risk.

Agriculture, service, and industry are the major sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. The agriculture sector occupies the third major contributing sector in the gross domestic production of Sri Lanka. The agriculture sector fails to meet its local and foreign demand; therefore, Sri Lanka relies on the import of agricultural products. Also, Sri Lanka is unable to generate more export income through agricultural products. Sri Lanka is ranked as a very good nation for agricultural production, it has all positive natural resources for agricultural production. However, they cannot fulfill the local and foreign demands.

The lack of financing for agricultural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka is a significant challenge that hinders the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the country. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving government policies, financial institutions, and support organizations. Measures such as creating specialized financial products for agriculture, providing financial education, and training to farmers, and promoting risk-sharing mechanisms can help improve access to financing for agricultural SMEs in Sri Lanka. Additionally, public-private partnerships and incentives for banks to lend to the agricultural sector can play a significant role in addressing this issue and fostering the growth of the agricultural SME segment.

Statement of the problem

The government of Sri Lanka allocates and spends a considerable amount on agricultural activities every year. Also, many financial institutions provide financial services to agricultural activities in Sri Lanka. According to the annual report of the Ministry of Finance [3], 19 commercial and specialized banks provided LKR 93,562 million amount of loans to agricultural SMEs in 2021. Those banks provided LKR 203,054, and 173,318 million amounts of loans to service and industry SMEs respectively in 2021. The above data show a different level of loan facilities for three major sectors. According to the above data it can be understood that banks are providing priority to service and industry SMEs for their loan facilities rather than agricultural SMEs. Their decision for the selection of a loan portfolio depends on many reasons. Generally, the performance of the sector plays a significant impact on their decision, it leads to

the repayment capacity of the sector. The research question of the study is whether bank loans to agricultural SMEs contribute to the performance of the agriculture sector or not.

The agriculture sector is the key contributing sector to the day-to-day life of the people in the world. One of the basic needs of humans is food, which is provided by the agriculture sector in the world. The agriculture sector is facing many problems over the years, climate change and adequate financing are the major challenge for the agriculture sector in the world. Also, there are three types of firms in a country: large-scale businesses, medium-sized businesses, and small firms. Big companies are administrated and regulated by the regulations, and there is a legal binding for large-scale businesses. This kind of legal binding does not apply to small businesses, also most of the small firms are run by entrepreneurs or individuals. Right yield, right quality, and right price for agricultural products are other key problems in the agricultural sector nowadays. One important thing can be understood by all the humans in the world, there is no supplementary metal or device for food of the human in the world. Therefore, all people have the responsibility to protect and improve the agriculture sector for the present and future generations. Simply can say that all people have to work for the sustainability of the agriculture sector in the world. We have so much evidence that many countries are facing inadequate output from the agriculture sector to meet even the local demands of the people including Sri Lanka. The output of every sector depends on the inputs for that sector. We cannot expect a huge amount of output from smaller inputs in any sector including agriculture. Generally, small, and medium enterprises are facing difficulties in accessing adequate finance for their operations. Agricultural SMEs are facing much more difficulty in accessing finance rather than other sectors SMEs. The primary objective of the study is to examine the impact of bank loans to agricultural SMEs on the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. The secondary objective of the study is to show the average amount of bank loans to agricultural activities in Sri Lanka.

LITERATURE REVIEW AND HYPOTHESIS DEVELOPMENT

There is considerable literature related to loans to the agriculture sector and the performance of the agriculture sector in the world. Sri, Acip, Qorri, Qonita, and Nur [4] state that farmers are facing difficulties in the access of credit for their agricultural activities, therefore the

Objectives of the study

government has to make some agriculture policies to overcome farmers from the above issue. They highlighted fluctuating production and price of agriculture products as are main reasons to avoid the agriculture sector from bank loans.

Ikechi, and Anthony [5] highlight the significant role of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's economic growth and transformation. They point out that these SMEs often face limitations in their growth due to funding challenges. To address this, they resort to external borrowing, primarily from commercial banks. The study investigates the impact of commercial bank loans on SME performance. They find an inverse relationship, indicating that as commercial bank loans increase, SME output decreases. This suggests a reluctance of commercial banks to grant loans to SMEs. The study also reveals that SME growth hasn't effectively reduced unemployment. Recommendations include strengthening SME support programs and improving commercial bank assistance to SMEs.

Binks, Ennew, and Mowlah [6] examine the crucial role of banks in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Banks contribute by providing the necessary investment capital for business growth and by offering valuable financial guidance throughout a company's development. They suggest that businesses and their managers should enhance their understanding of financial management. It highlights the importance of banks recognizing that SMEs are more likely to trust formalized processes when small firms have established contingency plans to address relationship issues during challenging trading periods. The study concludes that to maintain economic competitiveness, many SMEs need to foster flexible working relationships with their banks.

Zulqurnain, Bi, and Aqsa [7] examine how commercial loans interact with trade credit, retained earnings, and the performance of entrepreneurial Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It seeks to understand the relationships and interactions among these financial factors. The study reveals that commercial loans, trade credit, and retained earnings all have a positive relationship with the performance of entrepreneurial SMEs. The study confirms that commercial loans interact with retained earnings and trade credit, influencing the performance of SMEs in an entrepreneurial context.

Zhiqiang, Junjie, and Jia [8] assess how commercial loans interact with trade credit, retained earnings, and the performance of entrepreneurial Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It seeks to understand the relationships and interactions among these financial factors. The study confirms that commercial loans interact with retained earnings and trade credit, influencing the performance of SMEs in an entrepreneurial context. Statistical results show that commercial

loans, trade credit, and retained earnings all have a positive relationship with the performance of entrepreneurial SMEs.

Olapeju, Oluwasoye, and Demola [9] evaluate the influence of risk perception on the lending behavior of banks towards small enterprises. They find government interventions and the presence of banking reforms have a statistically negative and significant effect on bank lending to small enterprises. The results challenge the common assumption that banks are risk-averse when it comes to lending to small enterprises due to their perceived inability to demonstrate creditworthiness. Instead, the study suggests that bank behavior in lending to small enterprises varies depending on the overall health of the financial system. The findings of the study offer important lessons for the government's efforts to support and promote the small enterprise sector. It highlights the necessity of regulating and enforcing lending requirements to improve access to debt financing for small businesses. Additionally, it suggests that strategies like bank consolidation and recapitalization, while strengthening the banking system, may also expose banks to potential losses.

Masato and Michael [10] aim to put policy recommendations focused on addressing the financing challenges encountered by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Asia-Pacific region. The paper highlights several critical constraints that hinder SMEs' access to financing. These include ineffective working capital management by SME owners, information asymmetry between banks and SMEs leading to delays in loan processing, and the underdevelopment of equity markets, limiting growth opportunities for SMEs. The paper advocates for a policy approach where policymakers serve as facilitators and communicators, rather than directly providing financing to SMEs. By enhancing the overall conditions for SME financing, governments can improve the prospects for SME growth and survival, with the potential to stimulate increased employment, innovation, and overall economic growth.

Navjot [11] assesses whether small marginal farmers in India face financial constraints and seeks to understand the factors influencing lending decisions made by bank managers in the context of agricultural finance. Results of the study show that lending decisions by banks are influenced by non-quantifiable factors such as culture, caste, family size, and educational background, as well as relational banking practices. While relational banking practices can help reduce default rates, they do not eliminate information asymmetry between banks and small farmers, leading to moral hazards. The researcher finds banks often rely on qualitative factors and require excessive collateral due to information asymmetry when making lending decisions. The research findings offer valuable insights into the development of targeted policies by both

national and international policymakers to promote the agricultural sector by facilitating efficient access to finance for farmers.

Muhammad, Asima, Zahid, Le, and Qaiser [12] investigate how commercial loans interact with trade credit, retained earnings, and the performance of entrepreneurial Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). It seeks to understand the relationships and interactions among these financial factors. The study's results indicate commercial loans, trade credit, and retained earnings all have a positive relationship with the performance of entrepreneurial SMEs. The study confirms that commercial loans interact with retained earnings and trade credit, influencing the performance of SMEs in an entrepreneurial context.

Ajayi, Nageri, and Akolo [13] assess the effect of bank loans in the agriculture sector on the performance of agricultural activities in Nigeria. Statistical analyses of the study confirmed that bank loans and agricultural credit guarantee scheme funds have a significant effect on the agricultural production of Nigeria. This study recommends that the government financing policy should encourage the accessibility of bank loans to farmers and also farmers try to capitalize loan facilities for their agricultural activities.

Elina and Sylvanus [14] reveal only one-third of financial institutions are providing loan facilities to agricultural SMEs in Namibia. Financial institutions highlight a lack of expertise, and the perception of risk are the major reasons to discourage providing loans to agricultural activities.

Saeed, Abid, and Muhammad [15] find the size of household, household income, level of farmers' education, agricultural credit, and short-term and long-term loans had a positive and significant effect on the agricultural output in Pakistan.

Hypothesis: There is a significant impact of bank loans to agricultural SMEs on the performance of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka

METHODOLOGY Conceptual framework

The following figure clearly shows the relationship between bank loans to agricultural small and medium enterprises and the gross domestic production from agricultural economic activities. It illustrates the independent and dependent variables of the study.

Информатика. Экономика. Управление// Informatics. Economics. Management

сс) ®

2024; 3(2) http://oajiem.com/

r

Bank Loans to Agricultural SMEs

GDP from the Agricultural Economic Activities

V

J

Figure 1. The relationship between bank loans to agricultural small and medium enterprises and the gross domestic production from agricultural economic activities.

Рисунок 1. Взаимоотношения между банковскими кредитами сельскохозяйственным малым и средним предприятиям и валовым внутренним производством сельскохозяйственной экономической деятельности.

Data collection

Bank loans to agricultural small and medium enterprises are the independent variable of the study, whereas gross domestic production from agricultural economic activities is the dependent variable of the study. It is a quantitative study; all data of the study was collected from the annual reports of the Ministry of Finance from 2012 to 2021.

Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used in this study with the help of Stata 17. Descriptive statistics were used to reveal attributes of the tested variables in this study, whereas regression analysis was used to answer the research question and hypothesis of the study.

Mode of analysis

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Descriptive analysis

Table 1. Descriptive Statistics. Таблица 1. Описательная статистика.

Minimum Maximum Mean Std.

Deviation

Bank Loans to Agricultural SMEs

31,145 93,562 62,965 22,990

GDP from Growing of Cereals (except rice) 10,474 16,638 13,455 1,906

GDP from Growing of Rice 48,648 79,388 66,423 10,324

GDP from Growing of Vegetables 51,244 58,669 55,660 2,195

GDP from Growing of Sugar 1,820 2,441 2,167 217

GDP from Growing of Fruits 37,385 64,156 50,040 9,550

GDP from Growing of Oleaginous Fruits 53,424 67,742 62,155 5,627

GDP from Growing of Tea 61,621 74,734 68,497 4,426

GDP from Growing of Other Beverage Crops 1,181 1,592 1,348 136

GDP from Growing of Spices, Aromatic, Drug, and Pharmaceutical Crops 44,426 71,514 61,278 8,342

GDP from Growing of Rubber 22,779 44,249 27,910 7,319

GDP from Growing of Other Perennial Crops 14,344 16,839 16,013 811

GDP from Animal Production 29,511 69,035 54,042 12,819

GDP from Plant Propagation and Agricultural Supporting Activities 8,366 10,421 9,320 669

GDP from Forestry & Logging 38,188 62,545 52,240 7,844

GDP from Marine Fishing and Marine Aquaculture 75,593 105,822 97,014 11,495

GDP from Freshwater Fishing Freshwater Aquaculture 12,435 19,381 15,193 2,592

According to the above table, the average bank loan for agricultural SMEs was LKR 62,965 million in Sri Lanka during the period from 2012 to 2021. There are 16 agricultural economic activities categorized under the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. Marine fishing and marine aquaculture contribute the highest amount to the gross domestic production in the agriculture sector of Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the contribution of growing other beverage crops is the lowest contribution to the national gross domestic production of Sri Lanka in the above period. Other agricultural economic activities contribute a considerable amount to the gross domestic output of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.

Regression analysis

Table 2. Model Summary. Таблица 2. Краткое описание модели.

Model R R Square Adjusted R Square Std. Error of the

Estimate

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1 .879a .772 .743 16344.59497

a. Predictors: (Constant), Bank Loans to Agricultural SMEs (BL)

According to the adjusted R square of the above table, bank loans to agricultural SMEs contribute more than 74 percent to the gross domestic production of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka. It shows the importance of bank loans to agricultural SMEs in Sri Lanka, and how much those loans contribute to the national agriculture output of the country.

Table 3. Coefficients. Таблица 3. Коэффициенты.

Model Unstandardized Coefficients Standardized Coefficients t Sig.

B Std. Error Beta

(Constant) BL 574977.48 1.233 15791.462 .237 .879 36.411 5.201 .000 .001

a. Dependent Variable: Performance of the Agriculture Sector

In this statistical model, the objective is to understand how the independent variable, "Bank Loan to Agricultural SMEs" influences the dependent variable, "Performance of the Agriculture Sector." The coefficients in the table provide crucial information regarding this relationship. The constant represents the intercept of the regression equation. In this model, if the Bank Loan to Agricultural SMEs is zero, the estimated performance of the agriculture sector is approximately 574,977. This intercept is statistically significant, with a very low p-value (highly significant). The coefficient for "Bank Loan to Agricultural SMEs" is 1.233. This means that for a one-unit increase in the Bank Loan to Agricultural SMEs, the performance of the agriculture sector is estimated to increase by approximately 1.233 units. The Beta value (standardized coefficient) of 0.879 indicates a strong positive relationship between Bank Loans to Agricultural SMEs and the performance of the agriculture sector. The t-value of 5.201 suggests that the relationship between bank loans and agriculture sector performance is

statistically significant. The p-value (Sig.) of .001 indicates high significance, further supporting the strong relationship. Therefore, hypothesis 1 is accepted in this study. Finally, this regression model indicates that Bank Loans to Agricultural SMEs have a statistically significant and positive effect on the performance of the agriculture sector. A higher bank loan is associated with an increase in the performance of the agriculture sector, as indicated by the positive coefficient and the high level of statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Bank loans serve as the lifeblood of the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka, playing an indispensable role in fueling growth, enhancing productivity, and securing a sustainable future for the agricultural sector. The significance of these loans cannot be overstated, as they provide SMEs with the critical capital necessary for embracing modern farming techniques, acquiring vital equipment, and expanding their operations. This financial support is not merely a transaction; it's an investment in the country's food security, rural livelihoods, and economic progress. In Sri Lanka, where agriculture forms a significant part of the economy, with 16 diverse agricultural economic activities, these loans are a catalyst for progress. The country's GDP is substantially influenced by the contributions of various sectors within agriculture. Notably, marine fishing and marine aquaculture emerge as pivotal sectors, demonstrating the diversity and potential of Sri Lanka's agricultural landscape.

Agriculture in Sri Lanka is often carried out by lower-income individuals, emphasizing the critical role that access to sufficient capital plays in ensuring the effectiveness and efficiency of their operations. These individuals are the backbone of the agricultural sector, and their empowerment through financial means is paramount to driving the sector forward. The active engagement of the Sri Lankan government, particularly through the Ministry of Agriculture, underscores a commitment to harnessing the potential of the agricultural sector for overall national development. The government's efforts align with the broader objective of enhancing the contribution of agriculture to the country's economy and welfare.

Banks, as key financial intermediaries, are integral to the success of the agricultural sector. Their significant contribution is evident in the substantial financial services they provide to agricultural activities, amounting to a considerable LKR 93,562 million in loans to agricultural SMEs in 2021. This injection of capital is not just about monetary assistance; it is about investing in the prosperity of countless small farmers and agricultural enterprises. The positive and significant impact of bank loans to agricultural SMEs on the agricultural sector's

performance is a compelling outcome of this study. The findings provide robust evidence that emphasizes the crucial need for adequate bank loans to boost the agricultural sector's output. It's not just about financial numbers; it's about human lives, economic growth, and the larger welfare of the nation. Looking forward, policymakers have a pivotal role in shaping the future of agricultural finance in Sri Lanka. Thoughtful national policies concerning agricultural loans, interest rates, and repayment structures are essential components of this vision. By formulating and implementing policies that facilitate fair and accessible financing, Sri Lanka can pave the way for a thriving agricultural sector, ensuring food security, rural development, and economic progress in the years to come. As we stand at this juncture, bank loans are more than financial instruments; they are investments in the future of Sri Lanka's agricultural prosperity.

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Vickneswaran Anojan

Senior Lecturer, Department of Accounting, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Vickneshwaran Thanuja

Graduated Student, Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

Статья поступила в редакцию 07.05.2024; одобрена после рецензирования 13.05.2024; принята

к публикации 13.05.2024.

The article was submitted 07.05.2024; approved after reviewing 13.05.2024; accepted for publication

13.05.2024.

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