The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in the North Western Province (NWP) is encouraging farmers to operate Vegetable Shops to sell surplus organic produce from their home gardens. This initiative aims to provide farmers with an additional source of income while promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming practices. Organic home gardening, promoted by the CSIAP, emphasizes growing plants without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, using only natural inputs. This method replenishes natural resources and supports environmental sustainability. To date, approximately 16,762 Climate Smart Home Gardens have been established across NWP.
Investment in Vegetable
Shops
The provincial office has planned an investment of Rs. 1.6 million to
inaugurate 36 vegetable shops across the province. These shops will sell not
only fresh vegetables but also eggs from backyard poultry and value-added
products such as turmeric and chili powder. By creating a direct link between
farmers and consumers, these shops offer fresh, locally produced food while
helping farmers build personal relationships with their customers.
Inauguration of the First
Shop
The first vegetable shop, owned by Mrs. K.M. Indrani Kusumalatha, was
inaugurated in Vadurassa village under the Ambanpola Agrarian Service Center in
Kurunegala district. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Mr.
D.M.K. Chandana Dissanayake, Provincial Secretary of Agriculture, and Mrs.
H.M.C.J. Herath, Divisional Secretary of Ambanpola.
Dignitaries and
Participants
The event was attended by Mr. P. Sisira Kumara, Director of the Provincial
Department of Agriculture, Mr. W. Kamalsiri, Director of Provincial Irrigation,
around forty government officers representing various provincial departments,
over 120 farmers, and Mr. W.M.S. Wijesinghe, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP
in NWP, along with his staff.
Impact on Rural Communities
Vegetable Shops are a vital part of the rural economy, offering consumers easy
access to fresh, home-grown produce while enabling farmers to earn additional
income and strengthen community ties. The initiative reflects CSIAP’s
commitment to sustainable agriculture and rural development in the North
Western Province.
Story and Photographs by Chamara Basnayake (Agriculture Facilitator), Rajanganaya ASC, NWP
