In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity and support farming communities in climate-vulnerable regions, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) recently handed over a range of farm machinery valued at Rs. 65.81 million to the Department of Agrarian Development (DAD). The initiative aims to strengthen mechanized farming services for farmers living in hotspot areas where the CSIAP is currently being implemented.
The official handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, with the machinery formally presented by CSIAP Project Director, Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, to Mr. A. H. M. L. Abeyrathna, Commissioner General of the Department of Agrarian Development. The event marked another milestone in CSIAP’s continued efforts to modernize Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector through climate-smart investments.
Supporting
Farmers with Modern Technology
The
consignment of machinery includes a total of 194 individual items, comprising 189
Lowland Power Seeders, four Paddy Combined Harvesters, and one Tractor. These
machines are expected to significantly improve farming efficiency, reduce labor
constraints, and support timely land preparation, planting, and harvesting
activities—particularly in areas affected by climate variability. Lowland
Power Seeders will help ensure uniform planting while saving time and labor,
whereas Paddy Combined Harvesters will enable faster and more efficient
harvesting, minimizing post-harvest losses. The tractor will further strengthen
mechanization support services managed by the DAD for farmer use.
Strengthening
Institutional Collaboration
The
Ministry of Agriculture warmly welcomed the CSIAP’s support in procuring this
essential machinery, emphasizing its importance in improving access to modern
agricultural equipment for smallholder farmers. By handing over the machinery
to the Department of Agrarian Development, the CSIAP ensures that these assets
will be managed, deployed, and maintained through established institutional
mechanisms, allowing farmers to access them as needed during critical farming
periods. Senior
officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development,
and CSIAP participated in the ceremony, highlighting the strong collaboration
among institutions working together to promote sustainable and resilient
agriculture.
Advancing
Climate-Smart Agriculture
This
investment reflects the CSIAP’s broader commitment to promoting climate-smart
irrigated agriculture by combining infrastructure development, modern
technology, and institutional strengthening. By improving mechanization in
hotspot areas, the project supports farmers in adapting to climate challenges
while increasing productivity and profitability. Through
initiatives such as this, the CSIAP continues to empower farming communities,
modernize agricultural practices, and contribute to the long-term
sustainability and resilience of Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. Please
see more images of the event.
