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.