CSIAP's Top Officials monitor the status of ongoing activities in Polonnaruwa

 The Deputy Director’s Office in the North Central Province of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project organized a two-day observation tour in Hingurakgoda of Polonnaruwa district for a team of specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU) led by Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director to monitor project progress in the district. This was the first time the Project Director arrived in Polonnaruwa alone with Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Senior Engineer Mr. G. R.A. Godamunne  and Environmental & Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe. This tour allowed the PMU team to observe ongoing activities, identify issues, engage with stakeholders, collect data, boost morale and build relationships.  

The Project Director discussed with farmers representing Moragaswewa Farm Organization to develop Mahasengama as a Climate Smart Cascade village. Mr. Bandulasean pointed out the importance of developing the paddy fields near the Moragaswewa tank as a tourist attraction. Increasing parachute & inter-season cultivations and how to increase crop diversification in Yala 2025 were raised during the discussion. Finally, the Project Director and other CSIAP officers planted trees too.  

The PMU teams observed the cultivation field of farmer Mr. R.M.M. Jayasinghe who cultivated B Onions in paddy fields using his agro well with fellow farmers as a group during the Maha season. The Project Director explained the importance of increasing productivity as teams by using agro-well with solar pumps.

A special meeting was held at the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariate with the participation of farmers and officials of implementing agencies. Repairing agri roads, agri inputs given by the CSIAP, cultivating new plots of land, developing channels, home gardens, agro-wells and tank rehabilitation were discussed during this meeting.  Mr. R.P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in North Central Province presented the progress.

The CSIAP team observed the home garden belonging to farmer Ms. H. W. M. Chandrani at Hatharaskotuwa. The Project Director stepped into the vibrant home garden with a sense of curiosity and admiration. It was a well-maintained space and a testament to the dedication and passion of the family who nurtured it. The CSIAP team was satisfied with the progress achieved by her. The project has given mango plants, grow bags, Seeds and chicks to this farmer.  

The CSIAP team arrived at the chilli cultivation field of farmer Raveeshan located at Aluth Oya in Sinhagama . The Eastern Province of the CSIAP  proudly guided this farmer toward the rows of thriving chilli plants. The plants stood tall and healthy, their branches heavy with vibrant red chillies. This farmer, who had been trained at the Farmer Training School, Thirappane has earned Rs 24000 from 30 kg of Chilies and has obtained insect-proof net and drip irrigation from the project. As walking through the field, the Project Director discussed market trends, selling opportunities, and ways to expand the chilli production. Arunalu Diriya, a women farmer organization, which produces rice, met the CSIAP team at  Kithuluthuwa. Increasing rice production and obtaining water for cultivation were discussed. The Project Director stated that rice is an important agricultural crop with significant economic, nutritional, and cultural importance. Increasing rice cultivation provides numerous benefits that impact local farmers, regional economies, and the country as a whole, he further added. Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in North Central Province organized and facilitated the observation tour with his provincial staff. 

Story by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist and photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP