The Cono Weeder is introduced to farmers in Anuradhapura by CSIAP

Cono Weeder is in operation in the paddy field

The Cono Weeder is designed for weeding paddy fields was introduced to farmers in hotspot areas by Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). This machine is being used in Ranorawa in Anuradhapura which falls under CSIAP. The machine is manually operated and the weeds are uprooted by the teeth of the weeder and buried in the mud by the push and pull operations.

This weeder can easily be operated manually to make weeding easier and is also suitable in heavy clay load soil. Famers will be able to minimize the use of herbicide by using  Cono Weeder. Both CSIAP and Department of Agriculture are behind this programme. 

Parachute Method was introduced to farmers in hotspot areas by CSIAP

Seedlings are being broadcasted into paddy field

A method of field establishing paddy; Seedling Broadcasting or Parachute Method was introduced to farmers in hotspot areas by Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). This is a new technology invented for broadcasting of seedlings in paddy cultivation.

This method is being popularized among the paddy growers of Mahanikawewa and Ranorawa in Anuradhapura which falls under CSIAP. The officials headed by CSIAP are behind this move with the Department of Agriculture and providing the guidelines and methods so as to encourage the farmers in this novel method of seedling establishment. Under this method, 12-15 days old seedlings in small cell plastic nursery trays with mud are broadcasted directly into paddy field.