Making framers aware of Seasonal Paddy Field Electric Fence in Kilinochchi

In order to boost agricultural productivity and safeguard paddy cultivation from damages caused by wild animals, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) organized an awareness programme at the Department of Agrarian Development, Kilinochchi for farmers in Kilinochchi with the participation of Officials of Agrarian Service Centers (ASCs) in Kilinochchi. This programme emphasized the importance of implementing effective protective measures to be taken against wild animals and focusing on installing and maintaining electric elephant fences.

Key Points of this programme
1. Addressing Humen Elephant Conflicts:
Farmers were made aware of the adverse effects of wild animals, especially elephants causing damage to seasonal paddy cultivation. This session highlighted the severity of wild animals attacks and the urgent need to take protective measures to ensure the safety of crops.

2. Importance and Functionality of Seasonal Electric Fences:
The advantages of using seasonal electric fencing to prevent elephant encroachment were highlighted. Farmers were informed of the operational aspects, tariff management, and maintenance protocols associated with electric fences through a PowerPoint presentation. This detailed overview is aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge needed to effectively use this electric fence in their fields.

3. Expert Facilitation and Coordination:The program was facilitated by Dr. Janaka Jayawardana, Environmental Social Safeguard Specialist, CSIAP who provided valuable insights into environmental safeguards and sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. A.G.C. Babu, Deputy Project Director, Northern Province (NP), guided to ensured the smooth execution of the event. Ms. S. Kesiga, Environment Protection Officer, CSIAP-NP, coordinated the electric fence initiative, and
pointed out the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and Mr. A. Yogeshwaran, Social Safeguard Officer, CSIAP- NP supported the successful implementation of this programme.

4. Collaborative Engagement and Support
Active participation of key Agricultural Officials, including the Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Agrarian Development and the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Kilinochchi were seen. Their presence reinforced the commitment of governmental bodies to support local farmers in adopting innovative solutions for crop protection.

5. Future Initiatives
The Seasonal Paddy Cultivation Protection Fence Training of Trainers (TOT) will be implemented by the Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR) under the guidance of Dr.Prithvirajh Fernando. This programme focuses on training local trainers to educate and assist farmers in their respective communities and ensure widespread use and effective management of electric fences.

Conclusion
The awareness programme on the Seasonal Paddy Field Electric Fence marks a significant milestone in empowering farmers of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. By fostering knowledge exchange and providing practical solutions to Humen Elephant Conflicts, the CSIAP is paving the way for Sustainable Agricultural practices that promise enhanced productivity and security for local farmers. The collaborative efforts of the CSIAP, governmental bodies, and local communities are instrumental in driving this transformative initiative forward.

Written by S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, CSIAP, Northern Province.

The wrap-up meeting of the CSIAP's Implementation Support Mission held at ERD

The wrap up meeting of Implementation Support Mission, which involves summarizing the work done by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), highlighting key achievements, discussing lessons learned, and planning for any necessary follow-up actions, was held this morning at the Department of External Resources. This meeting ensures that all aspects of the project are reviewed, and that team members and stakeholders are aligned on the outcomes and next steps. This approach promotes transparency, learning, and continuous improvement of the project.

Mr. Samantha Bandara, Additional Director General, Department of External Resources  chaired this meeting along with Ms. Nalani Amaratunga, Additional Director General, Department of National Budget, Mr. Asiri Ranaweera, Director, Department of Treasury Operations , Mr. P.H. Chandima, Director, Department of Project Management and Monitoring , Mrs. Vijini Gunawardena, Deputy Director, Department of National Planning and Ms. Kausi Jayasinghe, Assistant Director, World Bank Division of Department of External. Representing the World Bank, Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist was also present.

Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader of the CSIAP and Mission Leader of the World Bank, Mrs. Lathisha. P. Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and Ms. Himali Bogodagedara, Director -World Bank Division of Department of External Resources remotely joined the meeting.

The 12th National Project Steering Committee Meeting of the CSIAP commenced

The 12h National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) Meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) is being held this morning (22^nd ) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries (MoA&PI). The NPSC meeting, which was chaired by Ms. Latheesha Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development) of the MoA&PI, is vital for ensuring that the CSIAP’s initiatives are strategically guided, well-coordinated, and effectively implemented and contributing to the overall project’s development and progress.

The NPSC, which is  set up at the Ministry of Agriculture to take the overall responsibility in executing the CSIAP, will consist of key officials of the major stakeholder agencies of the central government, and provincial government,  mainly to provide policy guidance to the project and to ensure achieving CSIAP’s objectives. The World Bank Officials and Chief Secretaries of provinces where the CSIAP is being implemented joined the meeting remotely. The CSIAP team was led by Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna along with the Project Director, Provincial Deputy Project Directors and Subject Specialists in this meeting.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku. PMU, CSIAP

MoAPI reviews monthly progress of the CSIAP

The Monthly Progress Review meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), which serves as a critical checkpoint where the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, evaluates the CSIAP’s progress, addresses any issues and aligns their efforts to ensure the project stays on track, was held today (20th) at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries (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.  The CSIAP team was led by Eng. R.M.B. Rajakaruna, Project Director.

Photograph by Nikeshala, Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

30 Nutritious and Delicious One-Dish Meals for Household Nutritional Security

Promoting Household Nutritional Security 

Preparing healthy and affordable One-Dish Meals

In Sri Lanka, achieving a balanced meal remains a challenge, which contributes to food insecurity (UNICEF, 2023). To address this issue, a research team from the Department of Applied Nutrition, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka (WUSL) conducted a study to design One-Dish Meals (ODMs). These meals are intended to maximize the use of home garden produce and include underutilized and uncommon vegetables such as pumpkin, winged bean, mung bean, cowpea, and leafy greens.

The goal of the study was to develop nutritious, affordable, and high-satiety meals. The ODM concept ensures that a single meal provides a balanced ratio of calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals derived from plant-based ingredients (One-Dish-Meals-of-South-Asia, 2015).

Expanding the ODM Concept Nationwide
Following the success of sensory and satiety evaluations conducted by the WUSL team, the initiative was scaled up across Sri Lanka. The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries (MoA&PI) is implementing this intervention in collaboration with WUSL under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), which is financed by the World Bank.

A Training of Trainers (ToT) programme was organized to equip resource persons with the skills to promote ODMs effectively. The ToT was conducted under the guidance of MoA&PI and implemented by the CSIAP with multi-sectoral collaboration. A total of 93 participants attended, including 14 from the educational sector, 5 from the health sector, 69 from the agricultural sector, and 5 from other relevant institutions. The practical session was held at the In-Service Training Center, Gannoruwa.

Benefits of the One-Dish Meal Concept
The ODM concept directly addresses key aspects of food security:
·       Food affordability: Meals are cost-effective and can be prepared with locally available ingredients.
·       Food accessibility: Ingredients are easily accessible through home gardens and local markets.
·       Food availability: Promotes the use of seasonal and underutilized crops.
·       Food utilization: Enhances dietary diversity and nutrient intake, particularly for vulnerable households.
 
At the conclusion of the ToT programme, participants gained knowledge on using underutilized and uncommon vegetables, enhancing household nutrition and dietary diversity.

 30 One-Dish Meals Prepared and Demonstrated
During the ToT programme, 30 nutritious and easy-to-prepare One-Dish Meals below were demonstrated. 

These include:
1-Waya Pumpkinach Melange | 2-Waya Pumpkinasia Patch | 3-Waya Murungasia Rice | 4-Waya Ashybean Sizzle | 5-Waya Beetanash Mix  | 6-Waya Pumpkileeks Savory | 7-Waya Cowpeanach Combo | 8-Waya Leeky Pea Carota |  9-Waya Ashleekin Medley | 10-Waya Leeky Cowpeanash | 11-Waya Long Lasiea | 12-Waya Chickpea Delight |  13-Waya Drumstick Bliss | 14-Waya Sweetpotato Savor | 15-Waya Veggie Burst |16-Waya Juneplums Medley | 17-Waya Split Pea Delight | 18-Waya Okra Medley | 19-Waya Star Bean Mix | 20-Waya Daikon Bliss | 21-Waya Brinjal Bounty | 22-Waya Brinjal Moringa Stir | 23-Waya Goober Soy Delight | 24-Waya Peanut Crunch | 25-Waya Baby Jackfruit Delicacy |26-Waya Moringasia Blend | 27-Waya Lasia Lotus Rice | 28-Waya Kohlrabi Stick | 29-Waya Munggo Sweet Mix | 30-Waya Vigna Jacky Mix  

These meals combine nutritional balance, affordability, and household-level accessibility, making them ideal for promoting food security across Sri Lankan communities

By  Rashmi Navanjana, Project Trainee, CSIAP

The World Bank reviews the overall progress of the CSIAP at the PMU

The overall Progress Review Meeting of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) was held this morning (03rd) at the Project Management Unit (PMU) in Colombo to assess project achievements, address remaining issues, and pave the way for a successful conclusion of the project. The meeting brought together key stakeholders to review implementation progress and strategize future actions.

 World Bank Delegation Reviews Provincial Impact
Having witnessed CSIAP activities and their impact across the Southern, Uva, North Central, and Eastern Provinces, the World Bank delegation gathered at the PMU under the leadership of the Task Team Leader (TTL) and Mission Leader, Dr. Sheu Salau. The delegation included Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan, Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramaratne, Environmental Safeguard Consultant Ms. Sithara Athapatthu, Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Environmental Specialist Ms. Nadeera Rajapaksha, Procurement Specialist Ms. Heenaben Yatin Doshi, and Voice Secondee Ms. Sima Ramrattan from the Republic of Suriname.

Forum for Strategic Alignment and Issue Resolution
The meeting served as a key forum for convergence, alignment, and strategic planning, ensuring that project activities remain on track, challenges are addressed in a timely manner, and project objectives are achieved efficiently as CSIAP approaches its completion phase.

Project Progress Presented through MIS
The Project Director of CSIAP, Eng. R. M. B. Rajakaruna, welcomed the World Bank officials, and the overall project progress was then  presented through the Management Information System (MIS) . The presentation highlighted achievements, implementation status, and performance across project components.

Participation of Provincial Leadership and Project Staff
Deputy Project Directors from six provinces, along with specialists and officers of the CSIAP, participated in the meeting. Their presence ensured comprehensive discussions on provincial-level implementation, operational challenges, and coordinated actions required for the successful completion of the project.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwaku, PMU, CSIAP