Dr (Mrs) Thivahary Geretharan

Thivahary Geretharan is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. She holds a PhD (Agricultural Extension and Rural Development) from Massey University, New Zealand, an M. Phil. (Agricultural Extension) Degree from Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and a B. Sc. Honours Degree (Agriculture) from Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

Thivahary’s teaching focuses on agricultural extension and rural development as well as Social Research Methodology and Rural Farm Survey. Her research interests include agricultural extension, rural development, extension communication, and agricultural Innovation System. She is interested in working with rural people, including farmers.

• Google Scholar
  https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=O_agMOoAAAAJ&hl=en

• Research Gate
  https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Thivahary-Geretharan

Refereed Journals

1. A.F.M.M. Riswan and Thivahary Geretharan (2020). “Determination of factors associated with farmers’ choice of Paddy Marketing Board supply chain in Ampara district”. Sri Lankan Journal of Technology (SLJoT), 2020(1&2):51-59
2. Thivahary Geretharan, Janet Reid, David Gray and Thiagarajah Ramilan (2019) “Agricultural support service provision – voices of smallholder farmers from post-war northern Sri Lanka”. Rural Extension & Innovation Systems Journal (REIS), 15(1):30-39.
3. Kiruthiga Balachandran and Thivahary Geretharan “Impact of Agricultural Livelihood Project on Livelihood Assets: A Study in Manmunai South West Divisional Secretariat Division of Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka”. International Journal of Bio Sciences Agriculture and Technology (IJBSAT), 9(2):8-15, 2018.
4. Kirijini Selvarajah and Thivahary Geretharan “Organic Food Consumption among Urban Consumers in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka”. International Journal of Food Safety, Nutrition, Public Health and Technology (IJFSNPHT), 9(1):1-6, 2017.
5. DMP. Dissanayake, Thivahary Geretharan and G. Hariharan. “A study on smallholder rubber production in Monaragala District, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Advanced Research and Review. 1(5), 2016:25-33
6. Thivahary Geretharan and Ponniah Sivarajah. “Accessibility of drinking water among the resettled people in the Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat division of Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka. International Journal of Advanced Research and Review. 1(3), 2016:92-97
7. Sivashankary, Vimalaraj, and Thivahary Geretharan. "Entrepreneurial behaviour of betel farmers In Manmunai South and Eruvil Pattu divisional secretariat Division of Batticaloa district." Journal of Social Review, 3(1):116-124, 2014.
8. Thivahary, G., Sivayoganathan, C. and Mahusoon, M. M. “Adoption of improved technologies by the cattle farmers of Batticaloa district”, AGRIEAST Journal of Agricultural Sciences. Vol 9 pp 28 – 35 (Published in 2013

Conference/Symposium Proceedings

1. R. M. Y. Ritigahapola, G. Thivahary and G. Divyapratha. “Determinants of awareness level of pesticide usage among paddy farmers in Thamankaduwa DS division, Polonnaruwa district. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Multi-Disciplinary Research – (ICMR 2024), Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 23rd January 2024.
2. G. Divyapratha and G. Thivahary (2023), “The Factors Associated with Cashew Production in the Batticaloa District”. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Agriculture – (ISA 2023), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 9th March 2023.
3. D.L.J. Edirisinghe, G. Thivahary and S.W.M.J.P. Wijesinghe (2023). Entrepreneurial Ability of Fishermen in Hikkaduwa Divisional Secretariat Area of Galle District. Proceedings of the 3rd International Symposium on Agriculture – (ISA 2023), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 9th March 2023.
4. H.G.N.M. Ekanayaka, G.P.P.N.Jayarathna and G. Thivahary (2023). “The factors influencing adoption of recommended pest management practices among coconut farmers – evidence from Puttalam District, Sri Lanka”. Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Multi-Disciplinary Research – (ICMR 2023), Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 3rd – 4th January 2023.
5. S. W. M. J. P. Wijesinghe and G. Thivahary (2022) “An analysis factors associated with turmeric yield in the Gampaha District”. Proceedings of the 5th National Symposium on Agriculture – 2022 (NSA 2022), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 30th March 2022.
6. G. P. P. N. Jayarathne and G. Thivahary (2022) “Paddy farmers’ attitudes towards the adoption of paddy insurance scheme, Kantale DS division, Trincomalee District”. Proceedings of the 5th National Symposium on Agriculture – 2022 (NSA 2022), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 30th March 2022.
7. J. P. C. V. T. Jayasinghe and G. Thivahary (2022) “Consumers’ awareness towards internal quality features of dairy food products”. Proceedings of the 5th National Symposium on Agriculture – 2022 (NSA 2022), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 30th March 2022.
8. H.G.N.M. Ekanayaka and T. Geretharan (2021) “Determinants of farmers’ knowledge on control methods of major coconut pests”. Proceedings of the 4th National Symposium on Agriculture – 2021 (NSA 2021), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 10th March 2021.
9. R.M.Y. Ritigahapola and T. Geretharan (2021) “Paddy farmers’ preferred sources of pesticide-related information in Thamankaduwa DS divisions of Polonnaruwa district”. Proceedings of the 4th National Symposium on Agriculture – 2021 (NSA 2021), Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 10th March 2021.
10. Thivahary Geretharan and Asmiya Alavudeen. “Determinants of improved technology adoption among cattle farmers in Batticaloa District”. Proceedings of the Ninth Annual Research Session (ASRS 2020), Faculty of Applied Science, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 25th December 2020.
11. Thivahary Geretharan and Viharnaa Raveenthira. “A study on factors shaping net profit of groundnut farmers in Ampara District, Sri Lanka”. Proceedings of First National Symposium on Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (NSATRS - 2020), University of Colombo, Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences, Sri Lanka, 15th December, 2020.
12. Thivahary Geretharan and Viharnaa Raveenthira. “Adoption and impact of natural farming practices in Batticaloa District”. Proceedings of the First Annual Research Session (FARS -2020), Faculty of Applied Science, Vavuniya Campus, University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, 2nd December 2020.
13. T. Geretharan and S. Amuthenie (2019) “Sources of agricultural information used by integrated farming system practising farmers: Evidence from Porativu Pattu DS Division, Batticaloa”. Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium on Agriculture – 2019 (ISA 2019) held on 09th January 2019 at Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
14. Thivahary Geretharan, Janet Reid, David Gray and Thiagarajah Ramilan (2019) “Agricultural support service provision – voices of smallholder farmers in post-war Northern Sri Lanka. Proceedings of the Australasia-Pacific Extension Network (APEN) Conference 2019 held on 11 – 13 September 2019 at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
15. Thivahary Geretharan, Janet Reid, David Gray and Thiagarajah Ramilan “Livelihood trajectories and the development of dairy farming in Northern and Eastern Sri Lanka: A gender-based study”. Proceedings of the first International IAE Symposium organized by the Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, New Zealand, 11th April 2017
16. Kiruthiga, B and Thivahary Geretharan “Adoption Level of Livelihood activities in Batticaloa District: Impact of an Agricultural Livelihood Project”. Proceedings of the International Research Symposium of the Uva Wellasa University, January 2017
17. Tharshiny Ravichandran and Thivahary Geretharan. “Determinants of Groundnut production in Thirukkovil DS division of Ampara district”. Proceedings of the Fifth International Symposium of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 08th & 09th December 2015
18. Tharsinithevy Kirupananthan and Thivahary Geretharan. “Assessment of the Entrepreneurial trends of Agricultural undergraduates: A study at Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka. International Scholarly and Scientific Knowledge and Innovation 2(4) 2015
19. Sujirtha, N., Thivahary, G. “Integrated Farming System: An approach for achieving household food security”. Proceedings of the National Symposium on Agriculture (NSA) of the Faculty of Agriculture, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 05th August 2015
20. Sajitha, A. H. and Thivahary, G “Seashell Processing: An emerging industry in Kinniya DS division of Trincomalee district” Proceedings of the Research Symposium of the Uva Wellasa University, 29th & 30th January 2015
21. Thivahary, G. and Lavanya. L “Factors influencing the practice of Natural Farming System in Vaharai Divisional Secretariat division of Batticaloa district”” Proceedings of the Third International Conference of Eastern University, Sri Lanka (ICE), 04th & 05th December 2014
22. Viharnaa, R. and Thivahary, G. “Information Flow in the Eastern University, Sri Lanka”. Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, 02nd & 03rd August 2014.
23. Sivashankary, V., Thivahary, G. and A. H. Sajitha “Determinants of Entrepreneurial Behaviour of Betel farmers in Batticaloa district”. Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Research Forum (ARF) – 2014, Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) held on 12th & 13th December 2014.
24. Meharasa, T., Thivahary, G. and A. H. Sajitha “Adoption of Integrated Farming Practices by farmers in the Porativu Pattu DS division of Batticaloa district”. Proceedings of the Eighth Annual Research Forum (ARF) – 2014, Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA) held on 12th & 13th December 2014
25. Viharnaa, S. and Thivahary, G. “Information utilization for weedicide usage among the paddy farmers in Eravur Pattu DS division of Batticaloa district”, Proceedings of the Second Annual Science Research Sessions (ASRS), 3rd December 2013
26. Viharnaa, S. and Thivahary, G. “Information utilization pattern of coconut farmers in Batticaloa district”, Proceedings of the International Symposium on Agriculture and Environment (ISAE), 28th November 2013
27. Viharnaa, S. and Thivahary, G. “Socio-economic status of smallholder paddy farmers in the Batticaloa district”, Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Social Sciences (ICSS), 22nd & 23rd November 2013
28. Viharnaa, S. and Thivahary, G. “Factors affecting the herbicide purchasing decision of paddy farmers in Batticaloa district” Proceedings of the International Conference of Eastern University, Sri Lanka (ICE), 12th & 13th September 2013
29. Thivahary, G. and Viharnaa, S. “Adoption of agronomic practices by smallholder rice farmers in Ampara district”, Proceedings of the KDU International Research Symposium. Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Sri Lanka, 22nd & 23rd August 2013
30. Sivarajah, P and Thivahary, G. “Access to safe drinking water: Available sources and water treatment among the resettled population in Trincomalee district”. Conference Proceedings, International Conference on Community and Water Services, 16th – 18th August 2013
31. Viharnaa, S. and Thivahary, G. “Factors that influence the adoption of improved coconut management practices in Batticaloa district: A Logit Model Approach”. Proceedings of the Third International Symposium of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, Vol. II, 6th & 7th July 2013, pp 17 –20
32. T. Geretharan, C. Sivayoganathan and M. M. Mahusoon. “Communication behaviour of cattle farmers in Batticaloa district”, International Symposium, Southeastern University, Sri Lanka, 27th May 2012
33. T. Geretharan, C. Sivayoganathan and M. M. Mahusoon “A study on cattle farmers’ access and benefits of veterinary extension services in Batticaloa district”, Proceedings of the Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 2nd December 2011
34. T. Geretharan, C. Sivayoganathan and M. M. Mahusoon. “Involvement of Cattle farmers in Livestock related organizations in Batticaloa district”, National Research Symposium on Agricultural Extension and Organizational Management, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 11th November 2011
35. R. P. S. S. Jayampathi, C. Sivayoganathan, J. K. Lindara and T. Geretharan. “Study on Marketing problems of Cinnamon Quills in the Matara District”, Proceedings of the Seventh Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, 10 -11 December 2008
36. S. Sivagnanam and T. Geretharan. “Influence of information sources on adoption of combine paddy harvester in Batticaloa district”, Proceedings of National Symposium, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka, 23 - 24 October 2008
37. T. Geretharan, A. Kajamuhan and V. Thivahary. “Optimum sporulation period and inoculation interval of Trichoderma harzianum integrated with some selected soil treated Fungicides”. Proceedings of the Annual Research Session, Eastern University, Sri Lanka, April 2004
38. V. Thivahary and S. Raveendranath. “Effects of different processing methods in reducing insecticidal residues on Bushitao (Vigna unguiculata(L) Walp) pods” Proceedings of the 59th Annual Session of SLAAS, December 2003

Book Published

1. Betel cultivation (ISBN: 978-955-967-4-4) in Tamil (வெற்றிலைச் செய்கை)
2. Authors: S. Srikrishnah, Thivahary Geretharan, Anparasy Kajamugan and V. Arulnandhy

Articles in Magazine

• Thayamini H. Seran and Thivahary Geretharan “Information for stronger Organizations” in Farming Matters, Magazine published by ILEIA, The Netherlands, the Centre for Learning on Sustainable Agriculture, June 2013.

• Agricultural extension
• Rural development
• Extension communication and
• Agricultural innovation system

• EC 1201: Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
• EC 2201: Development Economics
• EC 3101: Organizations in Agricultural Development
• EC 3102: Rural Farm Survey
• EC 3201: Gender and Development
• EC 4101: Social Research Methodology
• EC 4106: Information Systems for Agricultural Development

• Helen E Akers PhD Award 2020 under the Academic Postgraduate Award Program of Massey University, New Zealand
• Helen E Akers PhD Award 2019 under the Academic Postgraduate Award Program of Massey University, New Zealand
• ‘Prof. Indira Parikh 50 Women in Education Leaders’ award presented at the World Education Congress held on 04 – 05 July 2019 at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, India, awarded by the World Education Congress, CMO Asia with CMO Council
• Helen E Akers PhD Award 2018 and Millar Massey Buchanan Award 2018 under the Academic Postgraduate Award program of Massey University, New Zealand
• Sri Lanka Education Leadership Award – 2018, for the outstanding contribution to education, presented by World Education Congress, CMO Asia

1. Editor, AGRIEAST Journal, Faculty of Agriculture – 12 January 2023 – to date
2. Faculty representative to University Sports Advisory Board – April 2023 – to date
3. Faculty representative to the Senate – 08 January 2023 – to date
4. Faculty focal point for the Corporate Plan/Action Plan - 2023
5. Chairperson/Faculty Research Committee, Faculty of Agriculture – 01 February 2022 – 31 January 2024
6. Coordinator/Fourth National Symposium on Agriculture – 2022
7. National Secretary, Sri Lanka Forum of University Economists (SLFUE) – 2022
8. Warden/Women’s Hostel, Eastern University, Sri Lanka – 07 April 2022 – to date
9.  Member, Research and Training Committee, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute (HARTI) – from November 2021
10. Head / Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 02 March 2020 – 01 March 2023
11. Acting Head/Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 01 December 2019 – 28 February 2020
12. Coordinator/Faculty Quality Assurance Cell (FQAC), Faculty of Agriculture – 15 December 2020 – 14 December 2023
13. Chairperson/Faculty Timetable Committee, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 2020 – 2023 
14. Activity Coordinator, AHEAD Project, Department of Animal Science – 2020 to 2023 
15. Head / Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 01 April 2014 – 30 August 2016 
16. Coordinator / Higher Degree Programme, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL - November 2012 to August 2016
17. Senior Treasurer/ Students Union, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 2014-2016
18. Student Counsellor, Faculty of Agriculture, EUSL – 2005/06, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2014/2015, 2015/2016
19. Associate Editor for the Eastern University Newsletter, 2004 & 2005
20. Member of Sports Advisory Board, EUSL, 2006
21. Member of the Faculty Curriculum Committee
22. Member of the Faculty Internal Quality Assurance Unit
23. Member of the Senate, EUSL