The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by M&E Specialist

The new Project Director (PD) of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), Mr. Saman Bandulasena, wanted to visit the project implementation areas located in the Northern Province (NP) on 19 & 20 December 2024. Hence, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinhghe, Water Management Specialist Mr. Nissanka and Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe and IEC & ICT Specialist Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi were invited to participate in the visit with the new PD. This initial field visit to the NP by the Project Director was a significant step in project management and implementation for evaluating the project's location and its current conditions, identifying any constraints, risks, or opportunities that may affect project implementation, meeting with local stakeholders (including community members, project team members, and partners), and building rapport and establish lines of communication. Also, one of the objectives was to gather additional insights that may inform project adjustments and identify any gaps or additional needs. PD discussed and refined the project implementation plan with on-site teams while addressing the logistical and operational issues raised in the field. Moreover, he conducted site walkthroughs for real-time observations to understand ground realities and he expected to enhance the project readiness by identifying potential issues early.  

Cultivation fields of interviewed farmers and M&E Specialist discusses with a farmer

The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Division of the CSIAP is conducting a post-evaluation of the Training of Trainers (ToT) conducted by the FTS, Thirappane covering all project areas. The sampling points are selected randomly using the Systematic Sampling Methodology. The statistically calculated sample size for the study was 160, out of which 26 sampling points were randomly selected according to the population (number of trainees trained from the FTS) proportion of the NP. The enumerators selected for the data collection were Agriculture Facilitators (AFs) in selected Agrarian Service Centers (ASCs). The conducting of a comprehensive training before the data collection is a compulsory and it was conducted by the M&E Specialist for North Western Province and North Central Province. Accordingly, it was also conducted for three selected AFs in Mulankavil ASC (Mr. Pratheepan), Poonagary ASC (Ms. Saranka) and Pudukudiiruppu ASC (Ms. Nidarshana). The sample distribution among the ASCs is 9 sampling points for both Mulankavil and Poonagary ASCs and 8 for Pudukudiiruppu ASC. The training was conducted during the first half of the day on 19th Dec. and went to the Poonagary ASC to commence the data collection. The team was able to interview 03 farmers in the Poongary ASC and the data were collected by the AFs under the supervision of M&E Specialist.

In the late evening, a meeting was conducted with all contractors engaged on the rehabilitation works of tanks in NP. The key objectives of the discussion were to identify bottlenecks in financial progress, discuss and implement measures to expedite project execution and associated financial milestones and strengthen the collaboration and accountability between the project management and contractors. 

                  A meeting with contractors                                                 A meeting with the Governor                                            The 08th  PSC meeting

The Project Director had planned to meet the Governor of the NP on the morning of 20th Dec. 2024 and it happened as scheduled. The objective of that visit was to gain the governor’s buy-in and endorsement for the project while expecting the high-level government support which facilitates smoother project implementation and increases credibility. Also, one of the specific objectives of this visit was also to check & ensure whether the project aligns with regional or state policies, plans, and priorities. Hopefully, it will assist to help for avoiding conflicts and ensure mutual goals are met as planned at the regional level while resolving political, regulatory, or community-related issues too. The aforementioned specialists of the project also participated in this visit and they explained governor to the project’s objectives, expected outcomes, and current progress. 

After discussing with the Governor, the PD and other officials of CSIAP participated in the 8th Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of NP. The Deputy Project Director (DPD) of NP, presented the progress of the activities implemented at the NP by CSIAP. The following project-related matters were discussed during the PSC.

Based on the key discussions had with; (1) Contractors (2) the Governor of NP and (3) Members of PSC of NP, I would suggest the following recommendations for smooth and timely implementation of the planned project activities.

 By Nalaka Attanayake, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by ESS Specialist

1.    INTRODUCTION

This report outlines the findings and observations from the field visit to Northern Province as part of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The primary objective of the visit was to monitor ongoing activities related to climate resilience, assess the implementation challenges faced by the project, and engage with local stakeholders to improve project outcomes. Key observations and findings regarding the implementation of environmental and social safeguards for sub-projects in Northern Province, as identified by the Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist, are detailed in this document. The report serves as a guiding resource for the contractor, partner agencies, and provincial CSIAP staff, outlining necessary follow-up actions to address identified issues. The field visit took place on December 19, 20, & 21, 2024, and was attended by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of CSIAP, along with other specialists in relevant subject areas. Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Northern Province and his team organized and facilitated the field observations.  

2.   OBJECTIVES OF THE FIELD VISIT

·       To monitor the status of ongoing activities and their alignment with climate resilience objectives.

·       To assess environmental management practices and compliance with the Environmental Management Plans (EMP).

·       To engage with local stakeholders, including the Hon. Governor, the Provincial Steering Committee, Provincial CSIAP staff and beneficiary communities.  

3.   KEY OBSERVATIONS

·       Environmental Management: Close monitoring of the EMP was conducted, ensuring that rehabilitation works did not adversely impact surrounding ecosystems, particularly forest areas, tank ecosystems and paddy fields. It was emphasized that for every tree removed during sub-project implementations, five trees must be planted as compensation, thereby aiming to restore the lost ecosystems.

·       Safeguard Procedures: During discussions with the Honorable Governor and the Provincial Steering Committee, the Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist clearly outlined the environmental and social safeguard procedures necessary for project implementation. It was highlighted that the tank rehabilitation works could potentially impact the livelihoods of farmers in downstream areas. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the affected farming communities and provide them with livelihood enhancement activities, such as the provision of seeds and other compensatory measures.

·       Support of the Hon. Governor, Northern Province: 

A productive meeting was held with the Governor of the Northern Province, who expressed a willingness to support ongoing project initiatives and future actions. During this meeting, the Honorable Governor was informed about the project's commitment to conducting environmental and social screenings for every sub-project. This process is essential for identifying potential environmental and social risks associated with the sub-projects during the design and planning stages under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). The importance of complying with the World Bank's Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies was emphasized, alongside adherence to the national environmental regulatory framework. The Honorable Governor was provided with practical examples from this project to illustrate the significance of these screenings.  

·       Chance Found Landmines: The team was made aware of the potential presence of chance-found landmines, remnants from the civil period. The Environment Specialist explained the established procedures for addressing such findings, ensuring safety compliance during project implementation.  

 The procedure for addressing chance-found landmines was explained as follows. The Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist requested that CSIAP project staff incorporate the mitigation measures outlined below into the Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) for future sub-projects implemented under the CSIAP.  

Chance Find Antipersonnel Landmines

1.     Immediately stop construction activities if antipersonnel landmine fields discovered

2.    With the approval of the resident engineer delineate the discovered landmine engulfed area. Red and white marking signs shall be used as provided below to mark mined or potential risk areas. Signs and hazard markers should be clearly visible in daylight at a distance of 30m. Mine marking tape should also be used to indicate the boundary between safe and hazardous areas.

3.    Ensure to prevent any risk to the nearby residents and the workers in the construction site, for this the Contractor shall station a night guard until the responsible authority takes over.

4.    Through the Resident Engineer, the Contractor shall notify the responsible authorities i.e. the Police or Regional Mine Action Office (RMAO) immediately within 24 hours.

5.     It shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to mark the mine area on temporary basis as a strategy to make the general public aware on the impending danger/risk, and this activity has to be carried out until the RMAO or police arrives at the site.

6.    Where marking points have been done adjoined to residential areas, it shall be the responsibility of the Contractor to communicate the message of marking for the danger/risk to the residents. 

7.     Signs and hazard markers should not be made out of munitions casings, materials that may have contained explosives, or discarded weapon systems.

8.     Once land mine survey is completed by the RMAO, the Contractor under the supervision of the DPD Office shall obtain a completion survey report which contains the mine clearance certificate meeting the recommendations/guidelines of the National Mine Action Programme.

Contractor Work Monitoring: The team observed that the contractor involved in the rehabilitation of tank bunds was generally adhering to project guidelines. However, challenges related to the implementation of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), particularly regarding tree removal practices, were noted in a very few sites. It was specifically observed that a fewer number of felled trees were scattered across few project sites during the rehabilitation process. The need to ensure that these felled trees are properly handed over to the State Timber Corporation was emphasized during the field visit.  

·       Community Engagement: Discussions with beneficiary communities revealed a positive reception of the CSIAP efforts.  

Solar-powered Electric System: 

The community has been provided with a solar-powered electric system under the CSIAP to efficiently irrigate their field crops while conserving energy. This initiative serves as an exemplary model of how a climate-resilient irrigation system can enhance agricultural practices.  

By utilizing solar energy, farmers can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. This mechanism not only decreases operational costs associated with traditional irrigation methods but also ensures a reliable water supply even during dry seasons. Additionally, it enables farmers to cultivate crops more effectively, increasing yields and improving food security. Overall, this sustainable approach helps mitigate the impacts of climate change while promoting economic resilience within the farming community.  

Agro -wells: 

CSIAP team witnessed the successful implementation of climate resilience agricultural practices by the farming community. One such mechanism is the implementation of agro-wells. Agro-wells provided to the farmer community via CSIAP proved to be more efficient and targeted irrigation practices, such as drip irrigation, which minimizes water wastage and ensures that crops receive the optimal amount of water necessary for growth. This efficiency is crucial in water-scarce regions such as northern province in Sri Lanka increasingly affected by climate change.  

By tapping into underground water resources, agro wells reduce farmers' reliance on surface water sources that may be affected by climate change, such as rivers and lakes that can dry up. This diversification helps mitigate risks associated with climate impacts.  

Steering Committee Engagement: Engagement with the Provincial Steering Committee highlighted the need for focused efforts on future compensatory tree planting programs, underscoring their importance for environmental sustainability.

4. RECOMMENDATIONS

·       Conduct Environmental Screenings: Implement mandatory environmental screenings for all sub-projects under the CSIAP, ensuring compliance with World Bank Environmental and Social Safeguard Policies. This is in addition to adhering to the compliance with national laws.

·       Enhanced Environmental Monitoring: The Provincial CSIAP staff is required to regularly engage with contractors and field supervision staff to ensure strict adherence to the EMP, particularly regarding tree removal and ecosystem preservation.

As part of the Environmental Management Plan (EMP), the following mitigation measures must be implemented by the contractor:

1.     Tree Compensation: For each tree removed, five new trees will be planted to compensate for the loss and support ecosystem restoration.

2.    Protection of Remaining Flora: Ensure that all remaining vegetation is protected during construction activities.

3.    Erosion Control: Implement measures to prevent soil erosion in areas where vegetation has been cleared.

4.    Monitoring and Reporting: Establish a monitoring framework to ensure that tree planting efforts are executed effectively and report progress to the project management unit regularly.  

·       Chance Found Landmines Protocol: Ensure that all personnel involved in project implementation are trained on procedures for identifying and managing chance-found landmines to guarantee safety and compliance with relevant guidelines.

·       Compensatory Tree Planting Programs: Develop a detailed plan for the compensatory tree planting program, involving the Provincial Steering Committee to identify suitable locations and species for planting.

·       Community Awareness Campaigns: Initiate campaigns to educate local communities about the benefits of environmental conservation and sustainable practices, particularly concerning tree removal and land use.

·       Stakeholder Engagement Continuity: Establish regular follow-up meetings with  the Provincial Steering Committee to maintain support and proactively address any emerging challenges.

·       Monitoring and Reporting Framework: To ensure effective ongoing monitoring and evaluation of environmental impacts, as well as community feedback, a robust framework must be developed to inform adaptive management strategies. To facilitate this, a geo-based environmental monitoring system, such as KOBO ToolBox, should be introduced. Additionally, the contractor must receive training on this system to enhance its outputs and effectiveness.

5. CONCLUSION

The field visit to the Northern Province proved to be a critical engagement opportunity for the CSIAP team. The insights gained will be invaluable in addressing the challenges faced, promoting compliance with environmental standards, and ensuring the success of the project's climate resilience objectives. Continued collaboration with local stakeholders will be essential in navigating the path forward for the project’s success.

By Gamini Subasinghe, Environment and Social Safeguard Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by WM & M Specialist

·       Puthukkulm Tank – The Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

      Progress—The bund earth filling has been completed. The side slope of the bund, turfing, and graveling remain to be completed. The P.K. Type spillway was completed and the D/S of spillway access should be cleared to accommodate flood flow. The progress of the Causeway construction is 50%. The D/S canal works and graveling of three farm roads should be completed.

The contractor agreed to finish the balance of the work within 3 weeks. The DPD(NP) was instructed to monitor this work closely and submit the real work plan for balanced work according to the contractor's suggested work plan. 

·       Embaikulam tank - Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

Progress – The bund construction and graveling of the bund top were completed. The balance work of 4 nos. canal drops structures, turnout structures 4 nos and 300 m canal road should be finished.

The contractor agreed to finish the balance of the work within 3 weeks. 

·       Manalkulam Tank - Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

Progress – Tank Bund – Earth work to be started. The spillway construction was stopped. Under the Sluice construction, pipes laying and headwall construction were completed, but the excavated section for pipe laying was not filled properly, creating a problem with storing the water. The contractor placed the sandbags to store the water to avoid the situation. It was not successful. The farm road was completed without providing a gravel top surface and was damaged by the floods. The contractor agreed to complete all the balance works within 2 months after finishing the monsoon rains. 

·       Keechukulam tank -Contractor – Pastini Construction Material supply 

Progress—The Tank construction and the Agri road were completed. The last flood damaged some sections of this road. Nearly 25 m of the LB side slope and 10 m of the road's surface were washed off. During the field visit, the contractor was instructed to construct several low-elevation road sections with 6” thick concrete to correct the road. 

·       Periyakulam Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut & LB turn out to be rehabilitated.

(Coordinate= 9.063561, 80.697526) Anicut has 02 bays with 6” planking arrangement (bay width =1.27m) The full supply height is 0.9m and proposed to provide 3 Nos. gates (with each bay 1.20m) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with a 12” bolder packed gabion-type reno mattress. Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation. 

·       Kuruvicharu Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut, (Coordinate = 9.123173, 80.653974)

Anicut has 04 bays (width =2.0m), F.S.L Height is 1.8 m and RB turn- out with 2’ dia. Pipe gate.

Proposed to provide 7 Nos. gates (1.20m bays) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with 12’ bolder packed gabion type reno mattress, 6m length.

Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation. 

·       Vilappukulam Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut, GN. Division- Palampasi

Anicut has 07 bays (width =1.2m) and 2 bays with 2’ dia. Pipe gate. F.S.L Height is 1.8 m and LB turn out with a 2’x2’ gate. Proposed to provide 7 Nos. gates (1.20m bays) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with 12’ bolder packed gabion type reno mattress, 6m length. Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation.  

·       Semmankunru SWE Bund – Kilinochchi

Contractor – MKH Construction, SWE Bund earthwork was completed, and the Turfing part is almost completed.  The other part of the bund was protected by a rubble packing layer with geotextile provided to the bund surface. Rubble packing work is not completed and it should be finished immediately. The main issue for the construction delay is the access to the bund was inundated with water. 

·       General matters

Northern Province Steering Committee Meeting – PID(NP) requested help for the EIA process of Mandakallaru Barrage.

Rehabilitation of road bridge in D/S of Muthyankattu Tank – The main reason for the request is local farmers in this area can not move during the spilling time.

Handing of the completion tanks to the Implementing Agencies – PID requested to hand over the tanks that are above 200 Acs of the irrigable area to the PID(NP). Because the mandatory power has belonged to PID. 

·       Recommendations

1.     Rehabilitation works should be expedited after the monsoon situation and DPD should follow up the balance works with close supervision. It requires a real work plan which is obtained from the contractor.

2.    Flood damage estimates to be prepared with consultation Implementing Agency staff and FO. Before starting the construction, DPD should submit the estimate for PD’s concurrence.

3.    Anicut Estimates should be prepared immediately and submitted to the PMU for STEP approval.

4.    DPD’s technical staff should coordinate properly with the Implementing Agency during the processing of contract bills in all aspects.

5.     DPD should keep the records of low performance of contractors and shear with all DPDS and

6.    PMU to avoid selecting that type of contractor in the future. 

By Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, Water Management and Monitoring Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by CSA Specialist

The field visit is crucial in various contexts because it provides firsthand information, direct observation, and valuable insights that might not be apparent through desk research or remote work. The field visit on 19th and 20th December 2024 involved travelling to Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts of the Northern Province to assess the progress of interventions, gather data, and evaluate their implementation and impact on the ground. During this tour, the CSIAP team assesses project implementation and alignment with plans, identifies challenges and areas requiring improvement, and engages with stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, implementing agencies and contractors.

• Participants:  Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, CSA Spe., Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, M&E Spe., Mr. Nissanka, Water Management Spe.Mr. Gamini Subasinghe, ESS Spe., Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC/ICT Spe. of the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project CSIAP) participated in the field visit   
•  Visited locations:  Kilinochchi & Mullativu districts
•  The objective of the visit: To observe the ground-level progress of tank rehabilitation and Agriculture & Marketing programs

Activities carried out        

(1) On 19.12.2024 (Thursday)

During this day, the team visited the following sites and discussed them with the relevant contractors and farmers. The team members' comments and decisions are presented below.

(I)  Grain stores – Koolampuri – Mullativu district 

The following matters were discussed.  As per the Engineer–Building Department,

   (a) The waterproofing painting and fixing of Aluminum doors for windows will be done soon

    (b) In the meantime, DPD – NP requested to fulfil the following additional requirements to ensure the smooth operations of this store successfully.

   -        Construction of security fence (Barb wire) around the store

   -        Establishment of an Elephant fence around the security fence

   -        Construction of Watcher hut 

   -        Construction of Drying floor

   -        Construction of Access Road within inside premises

 The Building Department Engineer said around Rs. 35 Mn will be requested as a total estimate to complete the above works.

In the meantime discussed the successful operation strategy of this store, after completion of all works. The several opinions were raised such as the implementation of a joint venture with a private sector entity or with a farmer company, and carrying out a joint venture program with the collaboration of RRDB bank.

 Also, at the provincial NSC meeting held with the Chief Secretary – NP at Jaffna, it was decided to hand this building over to DOA – NP and further instructed to PD – DOA (NP) to hand over the operation responsibility of this store to identified potential farmer company after signing an agreement.

    (II) Kumara Kulasingham farm - at Keppapilaw village in Mulliyavalai ASC division

           - This farmer has been given Agro-well, Water Pump and Red Onion seeds (bulb) from the project.  

           -He has cultivated Red Onion and Chili in his farm and the Red Onion crop is in the  growing stage and Chilli crop has caught heavy rains and damaged the crop since he has not established CSA mitigation methods. (eg. Not install the raised beds for Chili cultivation).

This farmer requested an Insect Proof net to protect the crops from pest & wild animal attacks.  

Recommendation

• To establish raised beds for Chilli cultivation with mulching of crops
• To introduce the Micro Irrigation system to onion cultivation

    (III)  Malini Udaya Kumara farm – at Palampathi village in Oddusudan ASC Division            

-This farmer has been given a Solar pump (1.65 KW) and Maize seeds from the project.                                                                                                                 -She has cultivated Maize, Brinjal and Paddy in his farm. This is a crop-diversified farm.

-The farmer said she is able to save Rs.15000 per month from the fuel cost and the total saving from the fuel will be Rs.50,000 end of the  season which is the higher benefit to her.    -She has invested money to purchase a new tractor for his farm.

 Recommendation 

• Use insect-repellent bulbs for brinjal cultivation  

(IV)   Thavakumar farm – at Vaunerikulam in Akkanayar ASC division 

              -This farmer has been given Laser levelling support and Paddy transplanting support from the project.

              -He has done Paddy transplanting using mechanized transplanters (in 6.0 Acres) in Laser levelling Paddy field.

             -The farmer said that this is the first time he carried out Paddy cultivation with Laser levelling and land consolidation. 

Also, he said that, the novel farming practice gives him lot of benefits such as water and fertilizer distribution equally throughout the fields and which leads to higher growth of all plants and be able to get higher yield from the farm. Besides, the use of a Mechanized transplanter for Paddy cultivation gives an opportunity to use Power weeders for weed control, which lands to minimize weedicide costs, which will be Rs.12,000 per acre. 

Recommendation  

• To do the crop-cutting survey and compare the yield variation with the direct seeding method
•  To  Arrange Exposure visit to this field and share the experience with other farmers

(V) Akkarayan Processing Centre

-Project has given Processing machines (eg. Seed cleaning machines, Ground nut decorticator, Black gram skin remover, Oil Expeller and Grinding machine) to this Centre. 

  -Akkarayan Producer Association runs this Centre by providing services to the members.

 Recommendation 

• Efficiently use the machines of this centre and provide benefits for more farmers in this area.

 (2) On 20.12.2024 (Friday) , during this day, our team visited to following places and attend the following discussions.

(I)   Attend to the meeting with Governor – NP 

            -Our team explained the activities carried out by the project and the current progress of the project.

            -The governor insisted on paying more attention when selecting the beneficiaries to provide project benefits.

            -PD, CSIAP informed that the project could assist needy farmers within the project area, and requested the Governor’s support for this program.

(II)  The team attended the Northern Provincial steering committee meeting with the Chief Secretary – NP and discussed the following matters.

  -Handing over the tanks exists over 200 Ac of command area to the PID.  

   -Construction of Mandagal Aru barrage through project funds and preparation of EIA as early as possible with the collaboration of the University or CEA.  

   -Construction of Perawan bridge, to ensure easy access to this area, which leads to improve the Agri produce marketing activities in this area. 

  -Include weather forecasting & Agro met training and Disaster Management training in the NP training plan to enhance the farmers' knowledge of climate change and adapt them to carry out farming activities based on weather patterns.                         

-Updating of Inventories to monitor the farmer equipment issues to project beneficiaries.  

-Instruct the Provincial Director – DOA (NP) to prepare a proposal to take over Koolampuri grain stores and legally hand over to a selected farmer company to ensure its productive utilization.  

           -Establishment of a CSA unit within the Provincial Agriculture Department in NP to continuously carry out CSA programs in  NP after the project completion.   

           -Selected only suitable and potential farmers to carry out the CSA demonstration program in NP, with the assistance of Agriculture                               Instructors.  

           -Establish 20 Nos CSA Demo plots within the NP project area with the collaboration of DOA – NP.

(III)   Santhiya’s farm in Jeyapuram – at Mulankavil ASC division 

          -This farmer has been given a Solar pump, Sprinkler Irrigation unit (1/4 Ac) and Mini tiller from the project.

          -He has cultivated Chili and Capsicum with Sprinkler Irrigation

          -The farmer said he can save Rs.30000 per month as fuel cost, minimize the labour cost for weeding and fertilizer application by using of  Mini tiller for farming.

          -Also, he stressed that he can do the Yala cultivation with minimum water usage due to use of Sprinkler Irrigation for this cultivation and  be able to eliminate the water stress for the plants, which leads to increase equal crop growth and get higher production in future.

 Recommendation 

• Advised to install Insect proof net around Chilli & Capsicum cultivation to minimize the pest attack.
•   Apply straw mulch for the Chilli cultivation to increase water use efficiency

By Frank Jayasinghe, CSA Specialist, PMU, CSIAP