DAD receives Rs. 30.31 Mn worth ICT Devices from CSIAP to boost agro-economy

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) handed a range of farm ICT devices worth Rs. 30.31 Mn over to the Department of Agrarian Development (DAD) to conduct training programmes for farmers in 47 Agrarian Service Center areas in 11 districts where the CSIAP is being implemented. The CSIAP’s Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna handed over devices to Hon. Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, secondly, the minister handed them over to Mr. A. H. M. L. Abeyrathna, Commissioner General of the DAD. The event took place at the Ministry this morning (21^st).

The Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries welcomes the CSIAP's support in procuring these essential devices, which will go a long way in assisting farmers who may need further education and training at the field level to boost the agro-economy.  Devices, totalling 141 individual items, include 47 Multimedia Projectors, 47 Screens and 47 Laptops. 

Under ASC Digitalization programme, the CSIAP has provided two Agrarian Service Centers (ASCs) at Parangiyawadiya (North Central Province) and Weerawila (Southern Province) with 06 desktops, 02 Digital Smart Boards, 02 TVs and 02 Portable sound systems worth over Rs 5.7 Mn as a pilot project early this year.

Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Consultant - Agriculture, Food & Rural Development,  the World Bank, Mrs. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and Mr. Chaminda Ekanayake, Commissioner (Development) DAD were also present in this event. 

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwaku, PMU, CSIAP