The World Bank reviews the progress of the CSIAP in North Central Province

The World Bank undertakes a comprehensive review of the activities of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in North Central Province to assess the CSIAP’s progress, impact, and effectiveness in addressing the provincial development challenges, on the other hand, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that projects stay on track, issues are addressed promptly, and stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

The World Bank Team headed by Mr.  Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader with  Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne, Water Management Specialist Ms. Thiruni Liyanage and  Voice Secondee Ms. Sima Ramrattan from the Republic of Suriname attended the Progress Review Meeting held in the conference hall of Sungreen Resort at Habarana today(29th).

Mr. H. M. P. Bandara, Deputy Project Director (North Central) welcomed the World Bank Officials, and Subject Specialists and Officers of the Deputy Director's Office in North Central Province presented the progress achieved so far by the Management Information System (MIS).  

This time the World Bank chose Polonnaruwa District to observe the CSIAP activities in Hingurakgoda. During this tour, the World Bank officials witnessed the rehabilitation process of Morgagaswewa Cascade, attended the Upperyanoya Cascade Management Committee Meeting at Moragaswewa in  Hingurakgoda, visited Capsicum Cultivation under the rain shelter at Mahasengama, Naimiris Cultivation at Irigeoya and Green Gram Cultivation at Nawagama.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The World Bank reviews the progress of the CSIAP in Southern Province

The Progress Review of the Climate Smart Agriculture Project (CSIAP) conducted by the World Bank commenced in Southern & Uva provinces and will continue in North Central and Eastern provinces. This progress review is a structured evaluation or assessment of the advancement and performance of the CSIAP.  It serves as a checkpoint to gauge how well the CSIAP is proceeding in terms of achieving its objectives, adhering to timelines, managing resources, addressing challenges or obstacles and contributing to their intended outcomes. These progress reviews are conducted periodically throughout the project to ensure that it stays on track and identify any areas requiring adjustments or interventions.

The World Bank Team led by Mr.  Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader with  Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne and  Voice Secondee Ms. Sima Ramrattan from the Republic of Suriname conduct progress reviews typically through meetings and field visits involving Project Staff, Government Officials, Farmers and other relevant parties. The aim is to foster transparency, accountability, and collaboration, ultimately ensuring the successful execution and completion of the project.

Inaugurating the Progress Review of Southern Province Mr. R.P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director (Southern Province) welcomed the World Bank Officials at the Administrative Complex in Hambantota. He presented the progress achieved so far by the Management Information System (MIS). Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP were present in this meeting.

During the Southern tour, the World Bank officials observed the rehabilitation process of Baminiyawa Tank and had a meeting with farmers, attended the meeting of Cascade Management Committee in Divisional Secretariate at  Thissamaharama, visited Chili Cultivation at Kawanthissapura, had Water Management Meeting with farmers at  Punchiappu Jadura and awarded certificates to framers who followed programs at the Farmer Business School at Julpallama.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The Pre-Mission Meeting discusses the CSIAP’s restructure and future programmes

A pre-mission meeting to discuss the CSIAP’s restructuring process and programmes to be implemented after the period of the CSIAP’s extension was held with officials of Agriculture and Plantation Industries (MoAPI), the World Bank and the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) this morning (02^nd) at the MoAPI.

This meeting was chaired by Mr. Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary with Ms. Latheesha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development),  Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena, Director,  (Development)  of the MoAPI. On behalf of the World Bank  Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne and Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist were also present. Representing the CSIAP led by the Deputy Project Director Mr. H.M.P. Bandara, Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists and Engineers attended this meeting too. 

A Workshop on Annual Work Plan and Budget 2024 in North Central Province

The Deputy Project Director (DPD)’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in North Central Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. H.M.P. Bandra organized a special workshop on the Annual Work Plan and Budget 2024 in North Central Province with the participation of Specialists and Engineers of the Project Management Unit (PMU) today (15th) in the DPD’s office in Anuradhapura. Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna explained the necessity and importance of expediting activities within the given time. Group discussions under each subject area were also conducted. This programme aims to speed up project activities within the province up to June 2024 and make officers aware of the new 18th-month plan starting from July 2024.

 Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

A Workshop on Annual Work Plan and Budget 2024 in Northern Province

The Deputy Project Director (DPD)’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Northern Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. George Babu organized a special workshop on the Annual Work Plan and Budget  2024 in Northern Province with the participation of Specialists and Engineers of the Project Management Unit (PMU) today (13th) in the DPD’s office in Kilinochchi. Group discussions under each subject area were also conducted. This programme aims to speed up project activities within the province up to June 2024 and make officers aware of the new 18th-month plan starting from July 2024.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

Invest in Women to accelerate the development

Women play a central role not only in the agricultural sector but also in improving the nutritional status of family members - A Feature Article on International Women's Day 2024

Sri Lanka ranks 76th out of 189 countries on the HDI and it scores 0.35 (80th place) on the UN Gender Inequalities Index (2018). The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) interventions directly support 04 key SDGs out of 17; SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 5: Gender Equality, and SDG 13: Climate Action. Project interventions address the underlying causes of malnutrition by making the food system responsive to these causes to provide adequate, safe, diversified and nutrient-rich food. The CSIAP contributed to improving the nutritional status of individual farmers, their families, and communities. The project is empowering the smallholder farming community in terms of nutritional security enhancement, active citizen engagement, and ensuring gender-inclusive development.

WHAT?
Investment in nutrition is a dual imperative: moral and economic. It builds human capital and boosts shared prosperity. Addressing malnutrition yields multiple benefits, boosting gross national products, preventing child deaths, improving school attainment, reducing poverty, empowering women, and breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty.

WHY?

HOW?

• The project focused on addressing malnutrition among socio-economically disadvantaged families in 11 climatically vulnerable districts. Key vulnerabilities affected people in terms of nutrition improvement, e.g., food and nutrition insecurity due to Covid 19 pandemic, food price inflation, loss of agriculture production due to the impact of climate change, reduced variety and animal source food consumption, and reduced purchasing power.

• Women’s agricultural production was not recorded correctly and women farmers were invisible in decision-making bodies. Women suffered limited access to information, agrarian sector capacity-building technology, and farmer extension services.

• CSIAP integrated gender into the project’s technical and operational activities. e.g., internalized gender-inclusive policies, gender analysis through KPI, implemented GAP reduces the gender gap and enhances nutrition security, allocation for gender budgeting and data management on MIS, and continuous monitoring.

• Introduced Nutrition-Sensitive CSA. e.g., implemented 56,222 CSNSHGs and other agriculture programs in 258 GNDs. Introduced CSA practice and shared nutrition knowledge with the community. e.g., approximately 92,202 individuals participated in the IEC, of which 45% were women. 70,441 participated in the training.

• Women farmers had greater access to basic agricultural assets. e.g., 42% of women received agricultural assets and extension services through the project.

• Prevailing bottlenecks prevent women’s participation and their capacity to benefit from capacity building. Empowering women (skills and capacity building, economic, social and nutrition). eg. 40% of leading women farmers are assured equal access to special skills and knowledge-building inputs and have undergone training to become CSA farmers at the dedicated Climate-Smart Farmer Training School, Thirappane. 30% of women are actively participating in SAC activities.

• Empowered women to play leadership roles and contribute to women’s participation in agriculture, enabling greater participation by women in all project activities. Facilitated women farmers' entry into irrigated agriculture. e.g., 30% of women represent SAC, 42% are proud members of the PS, and 35% in PA.

• Identify women farmers with leadership potential and build their capacities to take the lead in entering marketing interventions and providing high skill levels on par with male farmers through FBS.

• Encouraged women, men, girls, and boys to share knowledge and practice in cultivating, processing, making, and consuming foods of better nutritional values.

•  Integrating nutrition for strengthened market systems e.g., established 365 sales stalls in 11 districts). Developed clear links between producers and

•  Consumption of vegetables, fruits, pulses and other nutritious value crops from their HG to access the nutritional level.

• Recognized women from farming households as ‘farmers’ & ‘leaders’ for adopting climate resilience. Empower them to utilize low-cost locally available foods. Be smart - choose healthy food. Avoid processed foods high in fat, sugar, & salt.

Outcomes of the project

• Increased in yield for selected crops (27%)
• Cropping intensity (143%)
• Shared of non-paddy crops in the command area (48%)
• Areas under improved CSA practices (42,000ha)
• Increased direct project beneficiaries (365,471)
• Increased income (20%)

Written By:
Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Gender Development Officer (PMU), CSIAP

The Final Day - The CSIAP's Highlights of " Agri Tech 24"

Day 03- The CSIAP's Highlights of " Agri Tech 24"

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU- CSIAP

The CSIAP exhibits its new Agricultural Techniques in "Agri Tech 24"

The photo shows Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director of the CSIAP is explaining about posters displayed in the booth to
the minister. The Deputy Project Director of the Southern Province’s Office of the CSIAP Mr. R.P. M. Dissanayake is also there.

"Agri Tech 24", an exhibition to showcase new Agricultural Techniques currently used in the Agriculture sector, as well as obtaining higher yields using new technology, less water and minimum fertilizer application, while introducing quality agricultural products, introduction of new types of seeds, production of seeds, preventing damage from pests, is declared open by Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries Mahinda Amaraweera in the Bataatha Agri Technological Park, at Hungama yesterday (02nd). This four-day exhibition will be held till 05th March.

The Climates Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) also displays its booth with the aim of new agricultural technology including farm machinery introduced to the farmers and displaying various posters showing project activities such as Climate Smart Agriculture Practices, Tank Rehabilitation, Agroecological Landscape Resilience Plan, Water Management, Framer Training School, Marketing linkages introduced, Environmental & Social safeguard, Women’s contribution to the agriculture sector, improving the nutritional status of family members. Farmers’ products are being sold and Seasonal elephant fencing to mitigate Human and elephant conflict and micro irrigation systems are displayed here.  A model cascade designed in the CSIAP booth attracted the attention of those including school children who came to the exhibition.

Day 01- Highlights of  " Agri Tech 24"

Day 02- The CSIAP's Highlights of " Agri Tech 24"

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU- CSIAP

“How I increased my income by 200%“ - A Farmer from Pemaduwa ASC, NCP

 

The implementation of 11 CMPs and the preparation of another 43 CMPs discussed

 The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) held a special meeting today (16^th) at the Project Management Unit (PMU) to discuss the implementation of 11 Cascade Management Plans (CMPs) which are already prepared and the preparation of another 43 CMPs for the remaining cascades. Project Director Eng. R. M.B. Rajakaruna chaired this meeting and Provincial Deputy Project Directors and Subject Specialists also participated.

Regardless of gender, women also have a role in farming

I became an Agripreneur with the knowledge gained from Farmer Business School

A Workshop on Annual Work Plan and Budget 2024 in Uva Province

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Uva Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake  organized a special workshop on the Annual Work Plan and Budget  2024 in Uva Province with the participation of Specialists and Engineers of the Project Management Unit (PMU) today (14th) at the Fortey Grand Hotel, Wellawaya. This programme aims to speed up project activities within the province in 2024.  

The ALRP of the CSIAP for Uva Province discussed at the UMDI

A discussion about the final draft of the Agroecological Landscape Resilience Plan (ALRP for the Agricultural Hot Spot Area in Monaragala District was held today (13^th) at the Uva Management Development  Institute, Pelgahathenna. The objective of this programme is to discuss the ALRP as a Climate Smart Intervention which was already developed by  Teams Consultancy firm. The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Uva Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. D. M. L. Bandaranayake organized this event. Representatives of implementing agencies, Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP were also present. 

The World Bank delegation monitors the programmes implemented by CSIAP

The World Bank officials led by Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director (Sustainable Development), South Asia Region visited Nambadawewa Cascade, which belongs to the Parangiyawadiya Agrarian Division. During this tour they met members of the Social Audit Committee, Cascade Management Committee, and Farmer Organization in Nambakada village and discussed how producer society works, its activities & progress, the importance of the cascade management committee, sustainability of the cascade management plan,  how to solve grievances &  its progress and contribution given by members of Social Audit Committee for construction work. Ms. M.K.G Morawaka Divisional Secretary and Mr.Fausan Billu, Agriculture Instructor in the area joined the discussion. Secondly, the World Bank team observed an area where brinjals, chillies, cucumber and maize are grown, an agro-well and a field where a micro irrigation system and elephant fencing are installed and discussed with Ran Aswenna producer society about the use of the insect-proof net and poly mulch for chilli cultivation, Finally, the World Bank officials inspected the rehabilitation progress of Horanakkarayagama Tank.

The World Bank Team consisted of Mr. Josses Mugabi, Practice Manager (Water Resources Management), Ms. Anna O’Donnell, Lead Social Development Specialist, Ms. Ipek Alkan, Operations Adviser, Mr. Asela Ekanayake, Senior Operations Officer, Mr. John Keyser, Senior Agriculture Economist and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Consultant.The Deputy Director's Office of the CSIAP  in North Central Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. H.N.P. Bandara , Specialists and officers of the CSIAP also attended.

The World Bank and Farmer Leaders at the FTS posed for a commemorative photo

 Members of the high-level delegation from the World Bank headed by Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director, South Asia Sustainable Development and Farmer Leaders who were on the tree day residential programme at the Farmer Training School in Thirappane pose for a commemorative group photo. Members of the delegation included Mr. Josses Mugabi, Practice Manager (Water Resources Management), Ms. Anna O’Donnell, Lead Social Development Specialist, Ms. Ipek Alkan, Operations Adviser, Mr. Asela Ekanayake, Senior Operations Officer, Mr. John Keyser, Senior Agriculture Economist and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Consultant.

The  Regional Director and her team visited the Climate Smart Farmer Training School (FTS) at Thirappane yesterday (08th) to observe the way that the Climate Smart Farmer Training School is running to promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Sri Lanka.

A high-level delegation from the World Bank visits the Climate Smart FTS

A high-level delegation from the World Bank headed by Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger, Regional Director, South Asia Sustainable Development arrived in the Climate Smart Farmer Training School (FTS) at Thirappane yesterday (08th) to observe the way that the Climate Smart Farmer Training School is running to promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) in Sri Lanka. Members of the delegation included Mr. Josses Mugabi, Practice Manager (Water Resources Management), Ms. Anna O’Donnell, Lead Social Development Specialist, Ms. Ipek Alkan, Operations Adviser, Mr. Asela Ekanayake, Senior Operations Officer, Mr. John Keyser, Senior Agriculture Economist and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Consultant. The World Bank Officials were welcomed by Farmers and their children, and accompanied to the lecture hall in a traditional procession. Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) presented how the CSIAP is working to improve productivity and climate resilience of smallholder agriculture in the area where the CSIAP is being implemented. Farmer leaders who were on the three-day residential programme at the FTS had an opportunity to share their experience in CSA with the Regional Director. Certificates of Participation were given to Farmer leaders by dignitaries during this event. Dr. Dina Umali-Deininger planted a mango tree on the FTS premises to mark her visit. The Deputy Director's Office of the CSIAP  in North Central Province led by Deputy Project Director Mr. H.N.P. Bandara organized this programme and  Specialists and officers of the CSIAP were also present.

A Community-Based Seasonal Solar- Electric Elephant Fence to mitigate the HEC

"The CSIAP interventions made my journey successful"- A Young Farmer from EP

 

The MIS Workshop on Environmental and Social Safeguard commenced at NIPM

The practical training workshop on Management Information Systems (MIS) commenced at the National Institute of Plantation Management this morning was a valuable initiative to enhance the skills and knowledge of respective Environmental Social Safegurad and Gender officers in Provincial Deputy Project Directors’ Offices of the CSIAP. The workshop aimed to provide the CSIAP Staff with hands-on experience and practical insights into the effective use of Management Information Systems for better decision-making of the CSIAP and its organizational efficiency.

Dr. Janaka Jayawardena, Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist and his team at PMU organized this programme. Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, CSIAP contributed to the workshop as resource persons. Monitoring and Evaluation Officers of Provincial Deputy Project Directors’ Offices assisted participants in working on MIS.

Photographs by Ms. Sharmila Shanmuganathan, Gender Office, PMU, CSIAP

The first-ever Progress Review Meeting of the CSIAP by MIS conducted

The first-ever progress review of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project presented by the Management Information System (MIS) was held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries yesterday (17th). This meeting, which was scheduled to assess the project's current state and ensure that the project stays on course and meets its objectives,  is crucial for ensuring that CSIAP’s under the ministry's purview align with its strategic objectives and are carried out effectively.  This meeting was chaired by Ms. Lathisha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) with  Ms. Anuradha Dharmasena, Director,  (Development), Ms. Dilupa Ambeypitiya, Deputy Director ( Development) and Officials of the MoA&PI.  Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant, the World Bank, Eng, R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, CSIAP attended this meeting with Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP.  

The MIS of the CSIAP was designed by the Celata Tech (Pvt) Ltd.

Photograph by Nekeshala kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

The CSIAP Youth Development Prog. made me a role model in my community

Workshop on Future of AB&MLD and ID&CB Activities commences at NIPM

The one-day Workshop on the Future of Agri-Business and Marketing Linkage Development (AB&MLD) and Institutional Development & Capacity Building (ID&CB) Activities of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) commenced this morning at the National Institute of Plantation Management (NIPM) at Athurugiriya this morning.   

Areas such as Roles of Provincial DPDs in Achieving the Project Objectives after Re-allocation of duties and Receiving US $ 25 Mn, Role of the ID & CB, CSA, and AB & MLD Specialists after Re-allocation of AB & MLD Activities of CSIAP, Plan for the implementation of the project activities after Re-allocation of AB & MLD Activities, Implementation Plan for the AB & MLD Activities  and ICT&IEC and MIS Activities after Re-allocation of duties  will be discussed throughout the workshop.

Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director, CSIAP explained the Future Focus of CSIAP after the Reallocation of Provincial AB & MLD activities, Receiving US $ 25 Mn. and the Preparation of an Action Plan for $ 25 Mn. Dr. Athula Senaratne, Senior Agriculture Economist and Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Senior Consultant, of the World Bank conduct this workshop.

Provincial Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists, Engineers and Technical Officers of the CSIAP attended this meeting.

The CSA training from CSIAP was a turning point in a Woman farmer's life in SP

The Rehabilitated Agro-well gave a farmer in Eastern Province a new lease of life

Changing in Cultivation Pattern with the Rehabilitation of a Tank in NWP

Systematic Inter-Season Cultivation introduced by CSIAP in Uva Province

The New Year 2024 celebration today at PMU, CSIAP, Sri Lanka

Today (01st) is the very first working day for the staff on the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The staff of the CSIAP celebrated the commencement of work for the New Year 2024 with a small celebration in this morning. The event included a speech from the Project Director Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna and having Kiribath (Milk Rice) with other sweetmeats.

Addressing staff, the Project Director said, as we stand on the threshold of a new year, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the remarkable journey we've shared and to extend my warmest wishes for the year ahead. The past year has been a testament to our collective dedication, passion, and resilience. Our collaborative efforts have made significant strides in working within the project area. Together, we have achieved significant milestones, overcome obstacles, and laid the foundation for future success.

As the Project Director, I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and the positive impact we continue moving forward to achieve the CSIAP’s goal. I am profoundly grateful for leading such a talented and passionate team. Your collective efforts have not only contributed to the CSIAP goals but have also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose.

As we usher in the New Year, let us continue to build upon our achievements, embrace new opportunities, and strive for excellence in all our endeavours. May the coming year be filled with prosperity, growth, and countless moments of joy and fulfilment. Wishing you a Happy New Year. May 2024 be a year of great accomplishments, personal growth, and shared successes, Eng. Rajakaruna further added.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kidithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP