Introducing an Efficient Method to Prepare Nurseries for Seedling Broadcasting

Mrs. Samaraweera discusses nursery preparation with farmers, and a seedling  nursery is being prepared for broadcasting

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) introduced an efficient method of preparing nurseries for seedling broadcasting to farmers in identified hotspot areas. This practical demonstration was conducted in the Mahanikawewa and Ranorawa cascade systems in the Anuradhapura District, enabling farmers to gain hands-on experience with this climate-smart technique. 

Seedling Broadcasting as a Climate-Smart Technology
Seedling broadcasting is recognized as a climate-smart agricultural technology that offers an economically viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional direct seeding. This method supports increased crop yields and improved quality while reducing production costs, input requirements, and negative environmental impacts. A key preparatory step in this process is raising healthy seedlings in a well-managed nursery before broadcasting them in the field.

Nursery Preparation Process
Under this method, pre-germinated seeds are sown on specially prepared trays, where they develop into healthy seedlings. Raising seedlings separately in a nursery ensures better initial growth and survival compared to direct seeding in the field. Once seedlings reach the appropriate stage, they are broadcast uniformly, supporting better crop establishment.

 Key Advantages of Nursery-Based Seedling Broadcasting
The nursery method offers several important benefits to farmers:
1.     Water Saving – Water use is reduced as seeds are converted into seedlings in a controlled nursery environment rather than in the field.
2.    Favourable Growth Conditions – Nurseries provide optimal conditions for early plant growth.
3.    Improved Plant Care – Managing seedlings in a small area makes it easier to protect young plants from pests, diseases, weeds, and pathogenic infections.
4.    Efficient Land Use – Nursery practices help maximize land productivity.
5.     Improved Crop Uniformity – Uniform seedlings contribute to even crop growth in the field.
6.    Reduced Field Management Costs – Strong, evenly grown seedlings lower labour and management requirements after establishment.
 
Technical Guidance and Participation
Mrs. Gourie Samaraweera, Deputy Director of Agriculture for Anuradhapura, provided detailed explanations and practical demonstrations on nursery preparation for seedling broadcasting. The event was attended by Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director for the North Central Province, along with officials from the Provincial Department of Agriculture and CSIAP, highlighting strong institutional support for promoting climate-smart agricultural practices among farmers.