The CSA Manual Strengthens Climate-Resilient Farming Practices under the CSIAP

Dr.  Ravichandran  addressing officials during the stakeholder workshop

A Practical Guide for Adapting to Climate Change 
The Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) manual introduced by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) provides comprehensive guidance on the adaptation of CSA techniques, emphasising practical solutions to address climate change challenges in agriculture. This was highlighted by Dr. V. K. Ravichandran, World Bank Consultant, while addressing a stakeholder workshop held yesteday (04th) of this month at the National Training Center of the Department of Agrarian Development, Pothuhara, Kurunegala.

Expert Insights on CSA Adaptation 
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ravichandran stated that the CSA manual contains valuable and well-structured information that supports the effective adaptation of CSA techniques. He emphasised that adopting CSA practices has become an essential requirement in the present context, where climate variability and extreme weather events increasingly affect agricultural productivity and farmer livelihoods. He further noted that CSIAP, a World Bank–funded project implemented in Sri Lanka, has already commenced introducing and promoting CSA techniques across six provinces. In support of this effort, the CSA manual has been developed as a practical reference for implementing officials, extension officers, and technical staff working at provincial and district levels. 

Key Focus Areas of the CSA Manual
Dr. Ravichandran explained that the manual focuses on three core pillars of CSA. These include improving the efficient use of natural resources such as water, soil, and inputs; introducing adaptation techniques that help farming systems withstand extreme climate events; and promoting mitigation measures within the agriculture sector to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these approaches aim to strengthen climate resilience while sustaining productivity.

Stakeholder Participation
Senior officials from the Department of Agriculture, representing provincial and district levels, along with staff from the CSIAP, participated in the workshop. Their engagement reflected a collective commitment to strengthening climate-smart agricultural practices through well-informed planning, capacity building, and practical field application.

PMU Officials of the CSIAP make government officials aware of the CSA Manual

      The PMU Officials engage in an interactive discussion with participants

Senior officials of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) introduced the Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) Manual to government officers representing Provincial and Inter-Provincial Departments of Agriculture yesterday (04th) at the National Training Centre of the Department of Agrarian Development, Pothuhara, Kurunegala.

The programme aimed to familiarize government officers with the key concepts, applications, and practical relevance of the CSA Manual in promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices. Participants were provided with an opportunity to engage in an open discussion with PMU officials, enabling them to share views, seek clarifications, and provide feedback for further improvement of the manual.

Representing the PMU of CSIAP, Mr. Sisira Semasinghe, Agriculture Extension Specialist; Dr. Priyantha Weerasinghe, Deputy Project Director (Irrigation); Mr. Amal Arunapriya, Institutional Development and Capacity Building Specialist; and Mr. V. Mohamed Ameen, Consultant (Financial Management) of the World Bank, were present at the head table and actively participated in the discussions.