 |
| Farmer Ms. Pushpaleela |
For
years, Pushpaleea and her husband, Mr. S. Sivasiri (age 47) , who is also a farmer,
struggled to make a living from their small piece of land. Farming had always
been their way of life, but without reliable access to water, they were trapped
in a cycle of low yields and financial difficulty. “There were days we thought
of giving up farming altogether,” recalls Pushpaleela. “We worked hard, but
without water, what can a farmer really do?”
A
Turning Point with CSIAP
Their
situation changed when they were introduced to the Climate Smart Irrigation
Agriculture Project (CSIAP) implemented under
the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and financed by the
World Bank. Through an awareness programme conducted by the
Deputy Project Director’s Office in the Northern Province, the couple learned
that new opportunities were available for farmers like them. With the direction
of Deputy Project Director Mr. George Babu and under the technical guidance of Agriculture
Specialist Mr. K. Vasanthan, the local Agriculture Facilitator, Ms. R. Kayalini,
approached the family. Recognising their determination, the CSIAP decided to
provide them with a sprinkler irrigation system that could cover their entire
half-acre plot.
From
Modest Harvest to Market Contracts
Her
first harvest in June this year was modest, but with time and practice, yields
steadily improved. Now, just a few months later, she expects to reap around 500
kilograms of Scotch Bonnet, a crop that currently fetches around Rs. 800 per
kilogram in the local market.
The family’s fortunes took an even more positive turn when Pushpaleea secured a supply contract with Keells, one of the country’s leading supermarket chains. This partnership ensures not only a stable market for her produce but also a fair price, giving her confidence to expand her efforts further. “Supplying to a supermarket like Keells is something I never thought possible,” she says proudly. “Now, when I see my chillies on their shelves, I feel recognized as a true farmer.”
 |
| With her Daughter Shivadharsha |
A
Family Effort
Pushpaleela
is also a mother of five. Her two youngest daughters; Shivadharsha (20), and Thamilnila
(18) are actively involved in farming,
helping with planting, harvesting, and marketing. What was once a backbreaking
struggle to survive has now become a family enterprise, bringing not only
income but also dignity and pride. Her
husband, who once worried about whether farming could sustain their family, now
works alongside her with renewed energy. “We finally see the fruits of our hard
work,” says Puspaleea. “With this support given by the CSIAP, we can give our
children the opportunities we never had.”
More
Than Farming – A Better Life
Today,
the family’s income is strong enough to cover their household needs, invest in
their children’s necessities, and plan for the future. Farming, once a burden,
has now become the foundation for a comfortable and secure lifestyle. Beyond
financial gains, Pushpaleea also highlights the confidence and respect she has
earned in her community. Other farmers now visit her field to learn about
Scotch Bonnet cultivation and modern irrigation practices. She has become an
informal role model for women farmers in the region, showing what is possible
when determination is paired with the right support.
Gratitude and Hope
Pushpaleea’s
journey reflects the larger vision of the CSIAP — to empower rural communities
through climate-smart practices, ensuring resilience and prosperity for farming
families. With a smile of gratitude, she says, “Because of the CSIAP, our family
is living a life we only dreamed of before. We are not just surviving anymore;
we are building a future for our children.”
Her
success story stands as an inspiring example of how targeted development
initiatives can uplift rural livelihoods, transforming not only fields but
entire families and communities.
Story and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP
