"Deva Danaya" inspires the CSIAP’s Progress Monitoring Visit in Monaragala, UP

Deva Danaya" (alms-giving for deities) is a traditional Sri Lankan ritual where beneficiary farmers of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) offer the first harvest of rice to the guardian deities with prayers expressing their gratitude for good harvest, blessings given and for a successful forthcoming season with good health, prosperity and protection from harm. This religious ceremony occurred at Anicut 05, Handapanagala, yesterday (01^st) morning during the CSIAP’s Progress Monitoring Visit in the Monaragala District. Representing the Project Management Unit (PMU), Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, Mr. K.V. Athula, Deputy Project Director, Subject Specialists and Subject Officers, along with Mr D. M. L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in Uva and Southern Provinces and his provincial staff, attended this event.

The CSIAP supported 33 farmers by providing wild animal fencing to protect their crops on 39 acres of Athiliwewa. This thoughtful contribution will go a long way in safeguarding their hard work and ensuring a better yield. With the increasing challenge of animals invading farmlands, this fencing has come as a great relief. It will help secure their crops, improve productivity, and contribute to the overall well-being of this farming community.  Farmer Mr. Y.M.P. Karunarathna, Chairman, Parakum Producer Society and his father, who is also a farmer, Mr. Y. P. Wickramasinghe, expressed their sincere gratitude to the Deputy Project Director's Office of the CSIAP in Southern & Uva Provinces for the generous support given. 

Samanalawewa Producer Society in 45 Ela,  extended their heartfelt gratitude to the Deputy Project Directors Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP  for the generous provision of the seed pad cleaner. The CSIAP’s thoughtful contribution will greatly enhance farmers’ ability to process and prepare seeds efficiently, ensuring better quality and improved yields. The seed paddy cleaner will not only help in removing impurities, strengthening crop production and promoting sustainable farming practices but will also contribute to higher germination rates, ultimately benefiting these farming efforts. The CSIAP's support in providing this valuable equipment will make a meaningful difference in the agricultural productivity of this farming community.

The Farming Community in Anicut 5, Wissayaya, met the CSIAP representatives from the PMU and SP&UP office and expressed their deepest gratitude for the invaluable support provided by the CSIAP in the form of agricultural roads, field channels, culverts, and wild animal fencing. The CSIAP’s contributions have significantly improved the safety, accessibility, and productivity of farmlands in the area, enhancing rural livelihoods in the area. The newly developed agricultural roads have made transportation of farm inputs and produce much easier, reducing costs and improving market access. The field channels have greatly helped in efficient water management, ensuring better irrigation and higher crop yields. The culverts have improved drainage and accessibility, preventing erosion and maintaining road conditions during heavy rains. Most importantly, the elephant fencing has provided much-needed protection against wildlife intrusion, safeguarding both our crops and our livelihoods. The CSIAP’s efforts have had a profound impact on this farming community, fostering growth, security, and prosperity. 

Polytunnels provided by the CSIAP efficiently extend growing seasons, protect crops from adverse weather conditions, and enhance overall farm productivity. By maintaining a controlled environment, they help improve crop yield and quality, reduce pest infestations, and optimize water usage. Accordingly, the CSIAP has given a polytunnel to farmer Mr. Lasantha Kumara at Mahaaragama, Akkrawissa, as part of its initiative to support sustainable and resilient farming practices. The project recognizes the significant role that farmers like him play in ensuring food security and promoting environmentally friendly agricultural practices. The polytunnel can enhance crop yield, extend growing seasons, and protect crops from adverse weather conditions, thereby contributing to more sustainable and productive farming. This polytunnel will aid in improving his farm’s productivity and efficiency.  Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director,  truly appreciates his hard work and dedication to farming and looks forward to seeing the positive impact this polytunnel will have on his agricultural endeavors. 

The Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP provinces extends its support to farmer Mr. H.M.K. Hearth at Gamunugama, Buttala, by giving solar panels and a water pump to assist in his efficient and sustainable cultivation of bananas and chilies. The project recognizes the crucial role that this farmer plays in ensuring food security and economic stability, and the CSIAP understand the challenges posed by unreliable access to water and electricity. This solar-powered water pump is a step towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices, reducing dependency on conventional energy sources, and ensuring a consistent water supply for irrigation. The project is confident that this input will enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and contribute to a greener and more efficient farming environment. Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, appreciated this farmer’s dedication to agriculture and the well-being of the community.  

As part of the CSIAP’s commitment to supporting farmers in improving agricultural productivity and sustainability, the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP has provided frmer Mr. Sunil Perera in Weheragala with the following essential farming inputs: Drip Irrigation System to optimize water usage and enhance crop growth efficiency, Poly Mulching Materials to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Insect-proof nets to protect your crops from harmful pests and reduce dependency on chemical pesticides. High-quality Chili Seeds to ensure better yield and disease resistance and Chicks to support poultry farming as an additional source of income and nutrition. The CSIAP hopes that these inputs will help him achieve higher yields, better pest control, and improved farm profitability.

 The CSIAP aims to support young farmers with modern agricultural solutions, which will lead to a more resilient and prosperous future. A young farmer Mr. Piyal Senanayake, in Unawatuna, has been equipped with a drip irrigation system and insect-proof nets by the Deputy Project Director’s Office in SP &UP Provinces to enhance productivity, resource efficiency and sustainability. Farmer Piyal explained the notable success he achieved to the CSIAP Officials during the visit. The drip irrigation system given ensures efficient water use, reduces waste, and improves crop yields. Insect-proof nets provide natural pest control, minimizing the need for harmful chemicals. These innovations boost farm efficiency and contribute to food security and environmental conservation. 

The production of value-added products can bring numerous benefits, such as creating more sustainable income streams, reducing reliance on raw commodity markets, and offering consumers higher-quality, locally produced goods. Ms. Indumathi Prasadari in Puhul Kotuwa was given a grinder machine by the CSIAP to produce value-added products. Currently, Indumathi produces packets of dried Wood Apple, Curry Leaf, Mango, Papaya and Soursop powder drink, dehydrated jackfruit and Fenugreek Tea. Project Director Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena appreciated the hard work and dedication Indumathi has shown in her efforts to take her business to the next level. Indumathi’s commitment to innovation and quality is inspiring. Deputy Project Director (SP&UP) Mr. D. M.L. Bandaranayake stated that her commitment to innovation and creating high-quality products not only adds value to your business but also significantly benefits the local economy and community. The CSIAP is confident that her new product line will have a positive impact.

The CSIAP Team observed the ongoing work related to tank rehabilitation, agri-road construction, and field channel development under Karawila Kotuwawewa in Waguruwela. Members of the Social Audit Committee explained the current status of the construction to the CSIAP representatives. The importance of well-maintained irrigation systems, agri roards constructed for agricultural purposes, and properly constructed field channels not only enhances agricultural productivity but also contributes significantly to improving the livelihoods of local farmers and communities.

Concluding the Monaragala visit, the CSIAP Official monitored Udarawewa, its tank bund, agri roads, spill and field channels where development work has been completed in Konketiya. Farmers who gathered expressed their sincere gratitude for the successful rehabilitation of the tank, as well as the construction of the tank bund, agri roads, spill, and field channel. These much-needed improvements have made a significant positive impact on the lives of our villagers, farmers said. These projects have not only enhanced our agricultural productivity but have also contributed to the overall well-being and economic prosperity of our village. We are deeply thankful for the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in SP&UP commitment to improving our community and for their hard work in making these improvements a reality, they stated.

 The rehabilitation of the above tank and tank bunds will play a critical role in enhancing water storage and distribution, which is vital for irrigation and supporting local agriculture. Furthermore, the construction of agri roads, spillways, and field channels will significantly improve access to farms and optimize water management, contributing to increased agricultural yields and overall community welfare. These essential projects are crucial for improving water management and agricultural productivity, and the CSIAP believe that they will have a lasting positive impact on the community and local farmers. 

By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, and Photographs by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP