World Bank Officials Meet Secretary of Agriculture to Review CSIAP's Progress

World Bank officials, led by Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader (TTL) and Mission Leader of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), met Mr. D. P. Wickremasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, this morning (29th) to review the progress of the project. The discussion focused on key milestones achieved under CSIAP and strategies to address remaining challenges in order to successfully achieve the project’s development objectives.

During the meeting, the World Bank team reaffirmed its strong commitment to working closely with the Ministry to ensure the continued success of CSIAP. Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in implementation while strengthening coordination to overcome operational and technical challenges. It was also noted that the next project review mission is scheduled to take place in six months.

Senior officials of the Ministry participated in the meeting alongside Mr. Sumith Chandana, Project Director of CSIAP, Mr. H. M. P. Bandara, Deputy Project Director, as well as subject specialists and officers of the project. The meeting reflected the shared commitment of all stakeholders to advancing climate-smart agriculture and improving the resilience and productivity of Sri Lanka’s farming communities

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP 

The 13th Implementation Support and Review Mission of the CSIAP commenced

The World Bank Officials visited the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) this morning (28th) to assess the overall development progress of the CSIAP and its effectiveness in delivering project development objectives. Representing the World Bank, Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau led the World Bank Team. Mr. Sumith Chandana, Project Director attended this meeting with the CSIAP team of Deputy Project Directors, Subject Specialists and Officers.

Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

Micro Irrigation Systems Introduced to 3,787 Farmers at a Cost of Rs. 589 Million

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), financed by the World Bank and implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, is promoting micro irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience. With a total investment of Rs. 589 million, 3,787 farmers across the project area have been equipped with advanced irrigation solutions to optimize water use and improve crop yields.

The project operates in 47 Agrarian Service Divisions across 11 districts in six provinces—North West, North Central, North, East, South, and Uva. Its primary aim is to increase agriculture and water productivity, particularly for farmers vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Distribution of Micro Irrigation Systems
Micro irrigation technologies provided under CSIAP include sprinkler irrigation systems, drip irrigation systems, micro jet systems, and rain hose systems. These systems were distributed to farmers across the project area, with 549 farmers in the North Western Province, 840 farmers in the North Central Province, 693 farmers in the Northern Province, 502 farmers in the Eastern Province, 691 farmers in Uva Province, and 512 farmers in the Southern Province.
By delivering water directly to the root zone at appropriate intervals, micro irrigation enables higher crop yields even under water-scarce conditions. Farmers also benefit from fertilizer application through the irrigation system, allowing for year-round cultivation and increased income from off-season crops.

Enhancing Productivity and Sustainability
To date, CSIAP has rehabilitated 1,142 agro wells, cultivating 1,112 hectares of land and achieving a yield of 3,082 metric tons. In these fields, solar-powered sprinkler and drip irrigation systems have been installed, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fuel costs for farmers. Currently, 707 hectares of land within the project area are being cultivated using micro irrigation systems, demonstrating the significant impact of these climate-smart interventions on agricultural productivity and sustainability.

By Frank Jayasinghe, Agriculture Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

Changing from a Traditional Farmer to a Modern Agricultural Innovator