Shielding Crops, Empowering Farmers: CSIAP's II Phase of Electric Fencing in EP

Farmers receive electric fencing equipment from the project

 

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has successfully rolled out its Phase 2 seasonal electric fencing programme in the Eastern Province, covering seven Agrarian Service Centre (ASC) divisions. The initiative aims to protect farmers’ crops from wildlife incursions, ensuring both productivity and sustainability in the province.

Mr. Sekeran addresses the beneficiary farmers

As part of this phase, a total of 79 electric fences spanning 467 km are being installed across Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara districts. These fences are set to directly benefit 6,532 farmers and safeguard 9,440 acres of farmland, creating secure boundaries against wild animals that frequently damage crops during planting and harvesting seasons.

• In Trincomalee District, three ASCs—Pulmoddai, Padavisripura, and Pankulam—received 22 fences covering 104 km, protecting the farms of 1,325 farmers over 3,715 acres. Pulmoddai accounted for the largest share with 16 fences spanning 75 km, benefiting more than 1,000 farmers. 
• In Batticaloa District, the Aithiyamalai ASC saw a smaller-scale intervention, with a single 10 km fence protecting 92 farmers across 290 acres.
• Ampara District emerged as the most extensive beneficiary, across three ASCs—Komari, Thambiluvil, and Lahugala—a total of 56 fences covering 353 km protected 5,115 farmers and 5,435 acres of farmland. Thambiluvil ASC stood out with 12 fences safeguarding 3,412 farmers, highlighting the programme’s strategic focus on areas most vulnerable to wildlife incursions.

The overall implementation and coordination of the programme are overseen by Mr. T. Sekaran, Social Safeguard Officer, under the strategic guidance and supervision of Mr. S. Naveendradas, Deputy Project Director for the Eastern Province.

During the electric fencing distribution programme, Mr. Sekaran emphasised that the seasonal fencing initiative is a key part of CSIAP’s broader efforts to enhance food security, promote sustainable farming practices, and strengthen farmer livelihoods across the province. By reducing the risk of wildlife damage, the programme allows farmers to concentrate on adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, boosting confidence and long-term resilience in their farming operations.