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

Senior officials of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) undertook a comprehensive two-day observation tour in Hingurakgoda, Polonnaruwa District, to assess the progress of ongoing project activities and engage directly with farmers and implementing agencies. The tour was organized by the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the North Central Province and led by Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, together with Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Senior Engineer Mr. G. R. A. Godamunne, and Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe. This marked the first occasion that the Project Director visited Polonnaruwa with a specialist PMU team, enabling firsthand observation of field-level interventions, identification of challenges, stakeholder engagement, data collection, morale boosting, and relationship building.  

During discussions with farmers of the Moragaswewa Farmer Organisation, attention was given to developing Mahasengama as a Climate Smart Cascade Village. Mr. Bandulasena emphasised the potential of paddy fields surrounding the Moragaswewa tank to be developed as a tourist attraction. Strategies to increase parachute and inter-seasonal cultivation, as well as crop diversification during the Yala 2025 season, were also discussed. The visit concluded with a symbolic tree-planting activity by the Project Director and CSIAP officials.   

The PMU team also visited the cultivation field of farmer Mr. R. M. M. Jayasinghe, who successfully cultivated big onions in paddy lands during the Maha season using an agro-well in collaboration with fellow farmers. The Project Director highlighted the importance of collective farming approaches and the use of solar-powered agro-well pumps to enhance productivity and sustainability.

A special stakeholder meeting was held at the Hingurakgoda Divisional Secretariat with the participation of farmers and representatives of implementing agencies. Key topics included the repair of agricultural roads, CSIAP-provided inputs, cultivation of new land plots, channel development, promotion of home gardens, agro-well development, and tank rehabilitation were dicussed at this meeting. Progress in the district was presented by Mr. R. P. M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director of CSIAP in the North Central Province.

The CSIAP team also observed the home garden maintained by woman farmer Ms. H. W. M. Chandrani at Hatharaskotuwa. Stepping into the vibrant and thriving garden, the Project Director expressed a sense of curiosity and admiration for the well-organized and productive space. The garden stood as a clear testament to the dedication, commitment, and passion of the family who carefully nurtured it. The CSIAP team expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved under the intervention. Through project support, Ms. Chandrani has received mango plants, grow bags, seeds, and chicks, which have significantly contributed to strengthening her home-based livelihood and household nutrition. 

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