The World Bank Country Director s memories on the construction site of the FFS

Mr. Faris. H. Hadad-Zervos, Country Director, the World Bank arrived in Thirappane, Anuradhapura to lay foundation stones for the Farmer Field School (FFS) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) alone with Ms. Chiyo Kanda, Country Manager and other world bank officials on 22nd this month.

Please click to watch warmly welcoming the World Bank Officials and laying foundation stones

1. Video   2. Slide Show  and    3. The Full Speech of the Country Director after laying foundation stones

And click to read 4. The full story of the Country Director’s vist at Thirappane

" We do everything to support you and move forward" the WB Country Director

I would like to know what more we can do to support you. What else we can do to move forward. I think it is very important said Mr. Faris. H. Hadad-Zervos, Country Director of the World Bank at a special ceromancy organized to lay the foundation stone to commence the construction work of the Farm Field School at Thirappane on 22nd this month. 

The World Bank Country Director, Ms. Chiyo Kanda, Country Manger and other officials were welcomed by Eng. R.M. B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, staff of the CSIAP and farmers, and escorted to the ceremonial ground by a cultural procession. The Country Director and Country Manager unveiled the plaque of the FFS. Secondly, distinguished guests planted saplings to remark the event and laid foundation stones with the Project Director, CSIAP and farmers.  The project Director of CSIAP made the welcome speech and the Country Director addressed the audience. Both male and female farmers had an opportunity to express their ideas on FFS to World Bank officials. Architect Mr. Sajith Sivayogaraj explained the architectural design of the FFS. The CSIAP’s North Central Province (NCP) led by Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and his staff organized the above event. All participants were treated with traditional Sri Lankan sweets. 

The Country Director addresses the audience

I thought of coming to see the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project. But, you made us too much by planting trees and laying stones. It is an honour to be here I come from a family of farmers. My grandfather was a farmer in Lebanon. He was planting grapes. He moved to Mexico where my father was born. He was planting maize too. When I came here I understand that I have been to the farm. I understand what you have gone through. I understand the situation and challenges you have due to climate change, the country director added.

Continuing the speech, Mr. Hadad-Zervos said, I am so happy that this project is moving. There is an expression that a good gardener is always working with the best tools, not because of tools but because he is a good gardener. I do not want to say anything. I have nothing to give in terms of wisdom. You have infinitely more wisdom than I do. I would love to hear from you.

I think the role of the farmer is the most honourable job in the world. It is hard hard-working and sincere one. But I know every farmer including my family, wants their sons to become doctors and engineers. We have to make sure that you have productive work. You are able to realize the same ambition for your children, that I have for mine. Please keep letting us know through the project team what else we need to do, we promise.  I am very happy that work has been done. We accelerate and we will move faster. We have 900 water tanks systems to develop. We need to focus on this. Speed is more important.

Mr. S.Manoharan, Senior Consultant (Agriculture, Food & Rural Development), Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Mr. Asela Dissanayake, Senior Operations Officer representing the World Bank office-Sri Lanka, representatives of the implementing agencies, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Deputy Project Directors from the Project Management Unit and Provincial Offices, Specialists, other staff of the CSIAP and farmers were present in this ceromancy. 

The World Bank’s officials lay foundation stones for the FFS at Thirappane

Country Director and Country Manager unveil the plaque of FFS

Mr. Faris. H. Hadad-Zervos, Country Director, the World Bank, laid the foundation stones for the Farmer Field School (FFS)  of the  Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP)  alone with Ms. Chiyo Kanda, Country Manager and other world bank officials  yesterday (22) at Thirappane in Anuradhapura District

The CSIAP  has started to develop a simple, but fully-fledged the FFS named as Govipole Iskole or Wivasaya Patashala at Mannakulama Village of Thirappane in Anuradhapura District in a state land at close proximity to Wagayakulama Tank. The Farm Field School (FFS) of the CSIAP will be used to train farmers and extension officers in hotspot areas to give hands-on experience on Climate Smart Agriculture practices and technologies. It is expected to train  2,700 farmer leaders and 200 extension officers. The CSIAP will bear Rs 146.7 M from the total project cost of Rs 163.2 M of the project.

The FFS has been designed to fit into a  farming environment protecting environmental sustainability and will accommodate a maximum of 25 participants at a time. This FFS is located approximately 30km  South of Anuradhapura town in the North Central Province. It falls under the Thirappane Divisional Secretariat Division and the Thirappeney Agrarian Service Division.

Dr. Milinda Pathiraja of the University of Moratuwa did the architectural design of the  FFS.  Department of Agriculture is collaborating with the CSIAP in this project and will continue to engage in building the capacity of farmers and extension officers after the project.

Architect Mr. Sivayogaraj  explains the architectural design of the FFS and invitees enjoy traditional Sri Lankan sweets

The World Bank Country Director and other officials were welcomed by Eng. R.M. B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, staff of the CSIAP and farmers, and escorted to the ceremonial ground by a cultural procession. The Country Director and Country Manager unveiled the plaque to commence the construction work of the FFS there. Secondly, distinguished guests planted saplings to remark the event and laid foundation stones with the Project Director, CSIAP and farmers. The project Director of CSIAP made the welcome speech and Country Director addressed the audience. Both male and female farmers had an opportunity to express their ideas on FFS to world bank officials. Architect Mr. Sajith Sivayogaraj explained the architectural design of the FFS. The CSIAP’s North Central Province (NCP) led by Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and his staff organized the above event. All participants were treated with traditional Sri Lankan sweets. 

The Country Director and Country Manager unveiled the plaque to commence the construction work of the FFS there. Secondly, distinguished guests planted saplings to the remark event with the Project Director, CSIAP and farmers, laid foundation stones

Escorting to the ceremonial ground, laying foundation stones and planting saplings

. The project Director of CSIAP made the welcome speech and Country Director addressed the audience. Both male and female farmers had an opportunity to express their ideas on FFS to world bank officials. Architect Mr. Sajith Sivayogaraj explained the architectural design of the FFS. The CSIAP’s North Central Province (NCP) led by Mr. Lakshman Premanath, Deputy Project Director (NCP) and his staff organized the above event. All participants were treated with traditional Sri Lankan sweets. 

Mr. S.Manoharan, Senior Consultant (Agriculture, Food & Rural Development), Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist, Asela Dissanayake, Senior Operations Officer representing the World Bank office-Sri Lanka, representatives of the implementing agencies, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Deputy Project Directors from the Project Mnagment Unit and Provincial Offices, Specialist, other staff of the CSIAP and farmers were present in this ceremony.

Story and Photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Setting out the building plan of the Farm Field School completed at Thirappane

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) completed setting out the building plan of the Farm Field School (FFS) on the ground yesterday (03rd) at Mannakkulama village of Thirappane in Anuradhapura District.   Dr. Milinda Pathiraja, who took over the architectural design of the FFS carried out setting up with his team to locate the position of the structural parts of the FFS as in the detailed drawing with geometrical construction.

The proposed school will train farmers in 11 districts of the six provinces (North Western, North Central, Northern, Eastern, Uva and Southern Provinces) where the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project being implemented and provide them with experience in climate change farming practices and technology. The FFS will cost Rs. 117 million which is funded by the World Bank. Dr. Milinda Pathiraja provides his services free of charge with his team.

The 2700 selected male and female farmers, 150 Extension Staff of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Development will be direct beneficiaries of the FFS, which is designed to be environmentally friendly and adapt to the farming environment. Those courses at FFS will cover Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices that can be applied in both Maha and Yala seasons in hot-spot areas, wetland paddy cultivation, upland cultivation, homestead cultivation and for the other field crops (OFCs).

On behalf of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of  the CSIAP, Deputy Project Director. Dr. Priyantha Weerasinghe and senior officials along with Mr. Lakshman Premanth, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP’s North Central Province and his staff attended this event. 

The CSIAP rehabilitates 32 Agro Wells in Uva Province at the cost of Rs. 9.6m

Mrs. V.G Ramani of Andawelayaya and Mr. M.H. Charlis of Neluwagala look on their Agro Wells 

Farmer Ramani cultivates turmeric with water obtained from her Agro Well

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) for Uva Province is moving forward with plans to rehabilitate 32 dilapidated Agro Wells in Monaragala district under the first phase of the initiative. This project aims to enable farmers to cultivate other field crops, fruits, vegetables, and plantation crops throughout the year in the Buttala, Wellawaya, and Thelulla Agrarian Service Center areas.

Out of the 32 Agro Wells, rehabilitation work on 28 Agro Wells has already commenced, and 4 Agro Wells have been successfully completed. The programme is estimated to cost Rs. 9.6 million, with Rs. 4.44 million already disbursed to beneficiaries. Farmers receive a 50% contribution from the project, subject to a maximum limit of Rs. 300,000 per Agro Well which serves as a vital groundwater resource, helping farmers in Sri Lanka’s dry zones overcome challenges posed by water shortages. By rehabilitating these Agro Wells, the project ensures sustainable water availability for crop cultivation and supports year-round agricultural productivity in the province.

The Physical & Financial Progress Review Meeting commences at the PMU

A very special meeting to discuss the progress achieved up to 28th  Nov 2021  and financial & physical targets, which are expected to complete in Dec 2021, is being held at the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The CSIAP’s top officials including Provincial Deputy Directors, Subject Specialists attend this meeting which is chaired by the Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna.

The CSIAP Lifts Living Standards of Farmers through Climate-Smart Cultivation

Agriculture Specailist Ms. Gunawardena, providing field-level guidance to farmer Jinasiri

Farming is the main livelihood in Senapura village, located in the Weerawila Agriculture Service Center area of Hambantota. Mr. S. Jinasiri (67) is one of the farmers who depends on agriculture for his family’s income. Together with his wife and two sons, he cultivates chili, green gram, and sesame on his land. Prior to the intervention of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), his earnings were barely sufficient to meet the family’s daily needs. With the technical guidance and continuous support of the Deputy Project Director’s Office (Southern Province), Mr. Jinasiri was introduced to improved farming methods that helped transform his livelihood.

 Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture
During the Yala season, Mr. Jinasiri adopted several Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies promoted by the CSIAP. These included crop diversification by introducing green gram into paddy lands, construction of soil contour bunds across his entire 10-acre field, and the creation of small plots between contour lines for rainwater harvesting. He also improved water-use efficiency through a sprinkler irrigation system and enhanced soil fertility by applying organic manure and mulching.

Empowering Farmers Through Expert Support
Agriculture Specialist Ms. G.C.A. Gunawardena of  the Deputy Director’s Office of the CSIAP in  Southern Provincial Office provided technical guidance on CSA practices, offered continuous encouragement to farmers adopting new technologies, and assisted them in overcoming challenges in production and management. Her active involvement helped build farmers’ confidence, strengthen their skills, and ensured that project interventions were implemented effectively at the field level.

Farmer Jinasiri preparing his land

Increasing Income through Improved Practices 
Under the Seed Production Village Programme of the CSIAP, Mr. Jinasiri cultivated green gram on 2 acres using seeds supplied by the CSIAP and produced 550 kg of quality seed. By selling the produce at Rs. 650 per kilogram, he earned Rs. 357,500, marking a significant increase in his farm income.
Encouraged by this success, he expanded his cultivation during the same season. With CSIAP support, he cultivated chili (variety KA2) on 0.25 acres, using his sprinkler irrigation system to maximize water efficiency. He now expects a harvest of 500 kg of green chilies, with an anticipated income of approximately Rs. 250,000.

Sustaining Gains in the Maha Season
In the Maha season 2021/2022, Mr. Jinasiri applied CSA practices to cultivate sesame (variety Uma) on 1 acre of land. He prepared the field using initial rains, relied entirely on rainwater, practiced Integrated Pest Management (IPM), constructed contour bunds to control soil erosion, implemented rainwater harvesting techniques, and maintained plant density through thinning. He expects a harvest of 350 kg of sesame, generating an income of around Rs. 175,000.
 
Building a Resilient Future
Through targeted interventions, the CSIAP continues to make agriculture more productive, sustainable, and climate-resilient, improving the livelihoods of farmers living in climate-vulnerable hotspot areas across the country.

The CSIAP rehabilitates 34 Agro Wells in Southern Province to boost the agriculture

 Farmer Mr. Sugathadasa used his Agro Well to cultivate paddy and chillies

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) begins to rehabilitate 34 Agro Wells in the Weerawila Agrarian Services Division of the Lunugamvehera Divisional Secretariat Division with the financial assistance of the World Bank. the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Southern Province has already commenced rehabilitation works and the Estimated cost for this programme is Rs. 10.2 million. Farmer Mr. Sugathadasa who is in the picture used his Agro Well, which was rehabilitated by the CSIAP, to cultivate paddy and chilies in  01 acre land and the CSIAP provided  Rs. 300,000 for this.

The CSIAP schedules to rehabilitate 84 tanks in Hambantota estimated at Rs.156M

The rehabilitation works on the Ranawaranawa tank and canal system in the Weerawila Agrarian Service Division are now underway

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) schedules to rehabilitate 84 tanks in 22 selected Grama Niladhari Divisions of Lunugamvehera and Tissamaharama Divisional Secretariats in the Hambantota District at the cost of Rs 158 million.  Under this, rehabilitation work on 22 tanks began this year by the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in Southern Province. The World Bank provides financial assistance for this programme.

The rehabilitation works on the Ranawaranawa tank and canal system in the Weerawila Agrarian Service Division, which belongs to the Lunugamvehera Divisional Secretariat area, are now underway. The estimated value of this is Rs 15.6 million and it is expected to provide water to 40 farmers for cultivation in both Yala and Maha seasons.

CSIAP Provides 234 Farmers with 2,200 kg of Maize Seeds Valued at Rs. 2.17 M

Happy farmers proudly standing in their maize field

Amid the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the farming community in Mahadiulwewa Agriculture Instructor Range (Segment D) of the Pannakulam Agrarian Service Centre Division, Trincomalee, has shown resilience by ensuring the production of maize in the Maha season 2021/22. The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Eastern Province provided 234 farmers, including 99 women farmers, with 2,200 kg of maize seeds worth Rs. 2,178,000 on a 75% concessionary basis. These seeds were cultivated on 440 acres across the region. The distribution was carried out through four Other Field Crops Produce Societies in Mahadiulwewa: Savipala, Ekamuthu, Miriswewa, and Rotawewa. 

This initiative demonstrates that high yields and efficiency in maize cultivation are achievable when technical guidance is properly applied, and inputs are managed accurately in time and space. Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of Sri Lanka’s most important annual cereal crops, serving as both a staple food and a source of income for farmers in CSIAP areas. The processing and consumption of maize vary across Sri Lanka, with maize flour and meal being the most popular products. Supporting maize cultivation not only strengthens food security but also enhances livelihood opportunities for rural farmers in the Eastern Province.

The CSIAP provides Rs: 45.6m for renovating 152 Argo wells in Eastern Province

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commences renovating 152 Agro wells in Eastern Province at the cost of Rs. 45.6m.  Under this, 78 Agro wells in Trincomalee, 29 Agro wells in Batticaloa  and 45 Agro wells in Ampara will be renovated. The event of making payments for farmers to renovate their    Agro wells  was held at the Divisional Secretariate, Morawewa recently under the patronage of Hon. Kapila Nuwan Athukorala, Parlimentarian, and Chairman of District Coordinating Committee, Trincomalee District. 

The scarcity of water for the cultivation in the Yala season is a major issue of farmers in the hotspot areas of Eastern Province. Agro wells are one of the major solutions to overcome water shortage in the dry season and this was identified by CSIAP during the Participatory Rural Appraisal at the field level. Agro wells are provided with supplementary irrigation for Other Field Crops (OFC) cultivation in the Yala season. On the other hand, farmers of some area of the Eastern Province used to cultivate OFC by means of Agro well as a major water source throughout the year and they could go for high-value crops, especially to cultivate in the off-season which will lead to high income. This can also affect the price fluctuation of certain crops affecting positively to consumers.

 Mr. Saman Dharshana Pandikorala,Goventment Agent, Trincomalee, Mr. W.M.Bhathiya Vijayantha, Divisional Secretary, Morawewa, Mr. S.M.G.Samarakoon, Divisional Secretary, Gomarankadawala,  Mr. W.R.Jagath Kumara, Pradesa Saba Chairman, Morawewa, Mr. L.B Chandana Vijitha Kumara Pradesa Saba Chairman, Gomarankadawela, CSIAP officers and members of Farmer Organizations and beneficiaries of Agro wells  attended on this occasion.       

 Dr. R. M. Ariyadasa, the Deputy Project Director, Eastern Province of the CSIAP organized the above programme  with the support of Divisional Secretaries of Morewewa and Gomarankadawala. 

Constructions of the Farm Field School at a cost of Rs: 117m at Thirappane in NCP

Dr. Milinda Pathiraja expalins his design

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) under the Ministry of Agriculture commenced the preliminary work of constructing a Farm Field School (FFS) at Mannakkulama village of Thirappane in Anuradhapura District in this month. The proposed school will train farmers in 11 districts of the six provinces (North Western, North Central, Northern, Eastern, Uva and Southern Provinces) where the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project being implemented and provide them with experience in climate change farming practices and technology. The FFS will cost Rs. 117 million which is funded by the World Bank.

The 2700 selected male and female farmers, 150 Extension Staff of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Agrarian Development will be direct beneficiaries of the FFS, which is designed to be environmentally friendly and adapt to the farming environment, said Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, the CSIAP Project Director. The FFS will be also used to provide training for marketing and value addition, subjects coming under the Agrarian Business School to prepare farmers as entrepreneurs and Farm planning, he further added.

The design of the Farm Field School

The FFS will provide short-term courses such as the Training of Trainers programme for the officials and a general training programme for the farmers. Those courses will cover Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies and practices that can be applied in both Maha and Yala seasons in hot-spot areas, wetland paddy cultivation, upland cultivation, homestead cultivation and for the other field crops (OFCs). Dr. Milinda Pathiraja, who took over the architectural design of the Farm Field School, provides his services free of charge with his team.

The 5th NPSC Meeting of the CSIAP commences at the MoA

The 05th National Project Steering Committee Meeting (NPSC) in 2021 of the CSIAP is being held today (28th) at the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), under the patronage of Senior Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe, Secretary, to the Ministry of Agriculture.

 The overall project oversight is the responsibility of the NPSC established in the Ministry of Agriculture and chaired by its secretary. The NPSC consists of Heads of Departments, Senior Officials/representatives of the government and the World Bank.

 Chief Secretaries of six provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented, Heads of Departments of Implementing Agencies working with the CSIAP, other senior officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Project Director and  Deputy Project Directors of the CSIAP, physically participated in the meeting,  and the World Bank Task Team and other government officials joined this meeting virtually.

The CSIAP Provides the DAD with Rs: 3.5 Million of 95 Direct Paddy Seeders

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) funded by the World Bank provided the Department of Agrarian Development (DAD) with 95 Direct Paddy Seeders valued at Rs: 3.5 million at the Ministry of Agriculture today (27th). On behalf of the CSIAP, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Mahindananda Aluthgamage handed Direct Paddy Seeders over to Mr. Mr. A. H. M. L. Abeyrathne, Commissioner General, DAD to deliver among farmers in areas where the CSIAP is being implemented.

The Direct Paddy Seeder given today is one of the revolutionary equipment that changed the face of sowing paddy seeds in wetland fields. It helps farmers to seed more efficiently and has plastic wheels that allow the seeder to float on the water Direct paddy drum seeder has eliminated the need of transplantation and hours of manual work which will literally break the back of the farmers involved in sowing the paddy seeds to the field. At one stretch with single operator effort, it covers 8 rows of 20 cm row to row spacing at a time. Made up of plastic material, which makes it easy to carry.

Additional Secretaries to the Ministry of Agriculture Mrs. Lathisha Liyanage and Mr. Pasan Rathnayake, the CSIAP Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, senior officials at the ministry, DAD and CSIAP participated in this event.

The WFM of the CSIAP between the World Bank and the Ministry of Agriculture

 The Way Forward Meeting (WFM) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project was held between the World Bank Officials and the Ministry of Agriculture today (25^th)  at the Ministry via WebEx video conferencing. This was a part of the Virtual Technical Mission of the CSIAP  held from 20^th to 25the October 2021. On behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, the WFM was chaired by Ms. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) to the Ministry. The World Bank Officials from the US, India, Pakistan & Sri Lanka and the CSIAP officials led by Project Director Eng. R. M.B. Rajakaruna attended this event.

The CSIAP launches a tree-planting campaign in Mullaitivu to save ecosystems

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) recently launched a tree-planting campaign in the Northern Province to promote eco-friendly practices and ensure a secure ecosystem for the future of Sri Lanka, in line with the government’s Sustainable Environmental Policy. Under this initiative, Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP in the Northern Province and his staff, planted 350 trees—including Mahogany, Mee, and Java Plum—alongside government officials and farmers on the side of Mullaitivu Main Road (A34), in front of the District Agriculture Training Center in Oddusuddan, Mullaitivu. 

The campaign aims to contribute to global reforestation efforts, restore lost forests, repair damaged ecosystems, and mitigate climate change. Repeated tree planting helps combat global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide, storing carbon, and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. During the event, participants were also briefed on ongoing and upcoming activities under the CSIAP. The CSIAP plans to replicate this tree-planting programm in other areas where the project is being implemented, continuing its efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship across Sri Lanka. 

By S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, CSIAP, Northern Province

Implementing CS Model Village Programme and distributing inputs in the EP

The Deputy Project Director Office in  the Eastern Province of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has implemented the Climate Smart Model Village Programme in the Pankulam ASC, Trincomalee District. This program is designed to demonstrate the importance of adopting Climate Smart Agriculture Practices  (CSA) when cultivating and the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of adopting CSA practices. 

Under this Model Village programme, Jet Spray Systems, Sprinkler Systems, GI Pipes, Mango Plants and other inputs valued at Rs. 600,000.00 were distributed to  beneficiaries in the Morawewa ASC area by Mr. W.R. Jajath Kumara,Pradesa Saba Chairma, Morawewa. The Climate Smart Model Village Programme will be continued in the rest of the project area in the dry zones where the CSIAP is being implemented.

This programme was organized by the CSIAP's Deputy Project Director of the Eastern Province (EP) Dr. R. M. Ariyadasa and his staff. Agriculture Instructors of Pankulam division and farmers from Mahadivulwewa stage 1 Division   participated in this event.

The National Project Steering Committee Meeting 2021 of the CSIAP commences

The 02^nd National Project Steering Committee Meeting (NPSC) in 2021 of the CSIAP was held today (23rd) at the Project Management Unit (PMU), Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) under the patronage of Senior Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.

The overall project oversight is the responsibility of the NPSC, established in the Ministry of Agriculture and chaired by its secretary. The NPSC consists of senior officials/representatives of the government and the World Bank.

 The secretary, senior officials at the ministry and PMU physically participated in the meeting at the PMU's conference hall while the World Bank Officials, Chief Secretaries of six provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented, Department of Agriculture, Provincial Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development, Department of National Planning attended, other implementing agencies and staff of the CSIAP provincial via WebEx video conferencing.

Reconstruction of Kattaru Anicut, Channel System and Access Road in EP begins

Hon. Kapila Nuwan Athukorala unveiled the name board of the project

The reconstruction of  the Kattaru Anicut, Channel system and Access Road in the dry zone of  the Trincomalee District, which is  in need of rehabilitation to ensure climate resilience of the farmers of this area, has begun. The Provincial Irrigation Department, Easter Province  is taking initiatives to reconstruct anicut, channel system and access road with Rs: 39,549,046 grant from the CSIAP funded by the World Bank.

 The CSIAP is  working on a strategy for restoring such anicuts, channel systems and access roads in the dry zones of 11 districts, where the CSIAP is being implemented, towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Trincomalee District Parliamentarian and Chairman of the District Coordinating Committee Hon. Kapila Nuwan Athukorala unveiled the name board of the proposed project ceremonially and laid a foundation stone. Other distinguished guests also laid stones with Dr. R.M. Ariyadasa, Provincial Deputy Project Director of  the CSIAP, Eastern Province . 

Hon. Athukorala and Dr. Ariyadasa are laying foundation stones

This programme was organized by Provincial Deputy Project Director Office of  the CSIAP, Eastern Province. Mr. Sinthaka Witharana, the Coordinator of the Eastern Province’s Governor , Mr.K.Kunanathan Divisional Secretary of Kuchchaveli , Mr.A.P.Mubarak Pradesa Saba Chairman of Kuchchaveli, Eng.G. Sujitharan ,Deputy Director Irrigation , Eng.Hariprasath, Provincial Irrigation Engineer, Provincial Irrigation Technical Officers, Other government officers, Members of Alsafa Farm Organization, farmers and the  CSIAP of the Eastern
Province staff attended this event.

The IEC campaign on Producing Organic Fertilizer commences in the North

The North Provincial Office of the  Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) launched its IEC campaign on Producing Organic Fertilizer in the hot spot areas of Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi. The staff of the Northern Provincial Offices take initiatives to make aware of those who are interested in producing organic fertilizer. This programme , which is basically implemented by the respective Provincial Departments of Agriculture and the Inter Provincial Departments of Agriculture, is aligned with the National Policy Frame Work ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’. The CSIAP is a World Bank funded project implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Please click to watch IEC Campaign in Mullaitivu and Kilinochchi

The Organic Fertilizer Production Programme of the CSIAP is now underway

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture has commenced a new program being aligned with the National Policy Frame Work ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor’ to produce organic fertilizer in the hot spot areas of North Western, North, North Central, Eastern, Uva and Southern Provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented. This program is basically implemented by the respective Provincial Departments of Agriculture and the Inter Provincial Departments of Agriculture.

This program is planned to be launched in selected Grama Niladhari Divisions of 47 Agrarian Service Regions in Kurunegala, Puttalam, Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, Ampara, Monaragala and Hambantota districts. The CSIAP will provide assistance to farmers by providing basic inputs needed for making solid compost and compost tea together with necessary training required for producing organic fertilizer.  

Under this, measures will be taken to disseminate technical knowledge and provide with essential items  required by farmers who produce organic fertilizer for their cultivation activities as well farmers and entrepreneurs who produce small or medium scale organic fertilizer. Registration for organic fertilizer production with the Department of Agrarian Development is currently underway through Agriculture Instructors and Agricultural Research and Production Assistants.

Under the program the CSIAP has planned to produce 55,000 metric tons of solid compost and 8.0 million liters of compost tea. In addition, the CSIAP will join hands with the Department of Agriculture and Provincial Departments of Agriculture in developing six laboratories  in Northern, Eastern, North Central, North Western, Uva and Southern Provinces to assess the quality of the compost.  

The CSIAP will spend Rs 483.5 million  with the financial assistance of the World Bank for this project.

Please listen Lakhanda Radio, Sinhala Service of SLBC, Tamil Service of SLBC and English Service of SLBC

Bio-fencing to mitigate human elephant conflict "The World Elephant Day"

Elephants are a cultural symbol in Sri Lanka, so the jumbos are of economic importance. They play a major role in environmental sustainability and are considered as ecosystem engineers.  Elephant Reintroduction Foundation and Canadian filmmakers Patricia Sims and Michael Clark initiated the World Elephant Day in 2011 since then the event is marked annually on August 12.The World Elephant Day has been launched to reiterate the threats to the elephant such as poaching, habitat loss, and conflict with humans, and mistreatment in captivity. World Elephant Day urges people to support organizations that are striving to stop illegal trade of the pachyderm and protect its habitats. The Day enhances to provide sanctuaries and alternative habitats to enable elephants to live freely. Elephants are playing an important role in safeguarding a sustainable biodiversity system. They create habitats for the other species in the ecosystem. When they drop waste while roaming in search of food, their dung carry seeds across a large area; feed numerous menial species, and refreshes environment when rain water absorbed by the underground through their stomping.

The most severe threat to elephants is global illegal trade. In recent years illegal trade has increased enormously so much so that more than 100 elephants loss their lives daily in some parts of the world. Asian elephants are killed for the skin as it is of commercial and medical value. Increasing human settlements have exploited the habitats of the elephant, and the situation has caused conflict between the man and the elephant. In addition, elephants have already been suffering the climate change impacts such as flood and drought.

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) of the Ministry of Agriculture mainly funded by the World Bank has pledged to improve climate resilience among farmer community thereby increasing the productivity of the irrigated agriculture. The project has planned to cover over 375,000 ha in some selected climatically vulnerable hotspot areas in 11 districts in Northern, Eastern, North Central, North Western, Southern and Uva provinces in Sri Lanka.

The human-elephant conflict is significant in all the CSIAP hotspot areas. Economic and population growth has imposed huge demands and pressure on wildlife resources and their habitats in these areas. The expansion of human settlements to the elephant habitats is a common scenario in all hotspot areas, in such a background the conflict between the man and the animal is inevitable. The decline in elephant habitats exploits natural food sources from the animals that compel elephants to roam into nearby villages in search of food. Consequent to this, the relationship between the man and the elephant is deteriorated thereby posing a threat to both the man and the elephant. As the main objective of the CSIAP is to improve the productivity of irrigated agriculture, it is a challenge before the Project to establish a coexistence mechanism between the human beings and the elephants because the cultivation in the hotspot area is often threatened by wild animals especially the elephants. To mitigate the conflict the project has planned a direct coexistence mechanism that would bring long-term solution to human-elephant conflict. Under this plan the CSIAP is focusing on management efforts on site-specific considerations as well as the formulation and application of strategic plans at the landscape level that directly address underlying anthropogenic drivers and their Spatio-temporal variation.

The CSIAP Agro ecological Landscape Resilience Plan (ALRP) has proposed to study the seriousness of human elephant conflict over the last 10 years. Particular emphasis has been given on the number and intensity that exist in its landscape today, and how it will increase and intensify with the agricultural expansion and productivity improvement. Mapping of the potential movements of the elephants has suggested mitigation measures. These maps would help identify the intensity of the conflict and the places prone to the threat,   existing elephant corridors, and current elephant movement patterns within the area. Further, the ALRP would study the people’s attitudes on human elephant conflict, traditional knowledge and practices on mitigation such conflicts and evaluate the current status of the existing electric fences and the locations, effectiveness, and gives a recommendation for their improvements.

In order to avoid intensifying of conflict between the man and the animal, innovative landscape level strategies and 479 km long extent “Community owned village/paddy fencing” will be set up in ten districts where wildlife and humans can co-exist in the same landscape. 7265 persons will be benefited by the bio fencing to be set up at a cost of Rs.39.3 million. The CSIAP has already identified 114 units of bio fencings in hotspot areas. The bio fencing program has several activities such as community awareness on maintenance of fencing, protection of elephants and people and long-term coexistence. The CSIAP promotes the man and elephant co-existence within hotspot areas while promoting environmental conservation in the tank-based cascades.

Written by Dr. Janaka Jayawardena, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist, CSIAP, on behalf of the World Elephant Day. 

CSIAP Provides AIs in Trincomalee with Rs: One Million Worth of Soil Testing Kits

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), funded by the World Bank, has provided 10 soil testing kits valued at Rs. one million to Agriculture Instructors (AIs) in Trincomalee District. The initiative aims to accurately assess soil fertility and provide scientific fertilizer recommendations to farmers within the CSIAP command area. The provision of soil testing kits will help AIs guide farmers in applying the right fertilizers, enhancing crop productivity and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices. 

The soil testing kits were handed over to Mr. M. Parameswaran, Deputy Director of Agriculture (Extension), Trincomalee District, by Dr. M. Ariyadasa, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP, Eastern Province last week. In addition to Trincomalee, the CSIAP has distributed 21 soil testing kits to AIs in Ampara and Batticaloa, bringing the total number of kits delivered in the Eastern Province to 31, valued at Rs. 3.1 million. The programme was attended by staff of the Deputy Project Director’s office, CSIAP, Eastern Province. 

Top officials in Uva observe Mung Mean and Groundnut Cultivation of the CSIAP

The top officials of Uva Province headed by the by Mr. P.B.Wijerathne, Chief Secretary, Uva Province visited Buduruwagala area observed Mung Mean and Groundnut Cultivation carried out under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP).  Mung Bean seeds worth over Rs. 826,200.00 were given to 101 farmers and Groundnut seeds worth over Rs. 599,000 were given to 41 farmers in Buduruwagala by the CSIAP.

Mr. G. Samarasinghe, District Secretary, Monaragala, Mr. R. M. T. B. Hathiyaldeniya, Agriculture Secretary, Uva Province, Mr. Chandana Ratnayake, Divisional  Secretary, Wellawaya, Mr. I.H. Dharmarasekara, Provincial Deputy Project Director, CSIAP  and officials of CSIAP  attended this visit.

The CSIAP reviews its activities with top officials in the Uva Province

The Deputy Project Director Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) reviewed its activities with top officials in the Uva Province (NWP) and schedule to accelerate them in the province.  This special meeting, which, was held  at the CSIAP’s Provincial Deputy Project Director Office at Wellwaya recently,  was chaired by Mr. P.B.Wijerathne, Chief Secretary, Uva Province.

Mr. G. Samarasinghe, District Secretary, Monaragala,  Mr. R. M. T. B. Hathiyaldeniya , Agriculture Secretary, Uva Province, Mr. Chandana Ratnayake, Divisional  Secretary, Wellawaya, Mr. I.H. Dharmarasekara, Provincial Deputy Project Director, CSIAP  and officials of CSIAP  attended this event.

The CSIAP Distributes Liquid Fertilizer to 101 Farmers in Wellawaya, Monaragala

A farmer receiving liquid fertilizer

 The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), funded by the World Bank, recently distributed liquid fertilizer to 101 farmers of the Buduruwagala Farmer Organization to support the cultivation of 41 hectares of Mung Bean under the mid-season programme. The liquid fertilizer was provided to help farmers achieve higher Mung Bean yields during the mid-season cultivation cycle. The total value of the fertilizer delivered was Rs. 37,312. The distribution ceremony was held recently in Buduruwagala under the patronage of Mr. P.B. Wijerathne, Chief Secretary of Uva Province. The event was organized by Mr. I.H. Dharmarasekara, Provincial Deputy Project Director of CSIAP for Uva Province. and his provincial staff.

The event was attended by Mr. G. Samarasinghe, District Secretary, Monaragala, Mr. R.M.T.B. Hathiyaldeniya, Agriculture Secretary, Uva Province, Mr. Chandana Ratnayake, Divisional Secretary, Wellawaya, along with officials from the Provincial Irrigation Department, Interprovincial and Provincial Departments of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development, CSIAP, and members of the Buduruwagala Farmer Organization.

World Bank Urges the CSIAP to Accelerate Activities in 11 Districts

Mr. Manoharan advising project officials

The World Bank team in Sri Lanka has advised the Climate-Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) to accelerate its activities in 11 identified hotspot districts to effectively achieve project objectives. The World Bank delegation, led by Mr. S. Manoharan, Task Team Leader (TTL) of CSIAP, emphasised that the project’s interventions are playing a critical role in advancing Sri Lanka’s agriculture and irrigation sectors. Mr. Manoharan urged CSIAP officials to take all necessary measures to expedite project implementation in the targeted areas, noting that the project’s active engagement will directly contribute to national development. The advisory session was held today (30^th) at the Project Management Unit (PMU), CSIAP, Colombo. The meeting was attended by Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, CSIAP, along with senior officials from both the World Bank and the CSIAP. 

The CSIAP speeds up tank rehabilitations to boost the irrigation sector in the NWP

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) reviewed the current progress of its activities and scheduled to speed up tank rehabilitation in the North Western Province.

The CSIAP came to this decision at a special meeting with Mr. P.B.M. Sirisena, Chief Secretary, North Western Province (NWP) held at the Chief Secretary Office, NWP recently. The CSIAP is moving forward in the NWP with the fullest cooperation of government officials.

Mr. J. S. Jayatissa, Director, Provincial Department of Irrigation, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, Mr. O. P. Kithsiri, Deputy Project Director (NWP) and senior officials of the CSIAP attended this meeting.