A Farmer’s Triumph: Farmer Mrs. G. Leelawathi’s journey through the CSIAP

Mrs. Leelawathi is managing her cultivation

This is the inspiring story of Mrs. G. Leelawathi, a 64-year-old farmer and member of the “Dehemi” Producers Society. She resides in Jadura village in the Ranawarnawa Grama Niladhari Division, under the Weerawila Agricultural Service Centre in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. Through determination, innovation, and support from the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), Mrs. Leelawathi transformed her life and livelihood through agriculture.

Engaged in traditional farming alongside her husband Mr. K.A. Somathilaka, a farmer, Mrs. Leelawathi cultivates crops during both the Yala and Maha seasons. Her journey with the CSIAP began in 2022, when she sought agricultural guidance. Since then, I have supported her closely by offering technical knowledge, monitoring her fields, and helping her adopt modern farming techniques to enhance her economic stability.

Farmer Mrs. G. Leelawathi

The CSIAP regularly organises capacity-building programs to improve the skills and knowledge of farmers in the region. Under the guidance of Mr. H.J.A. Malaka, Agricultural Instructor (AI) in Mattala area, training sessions were conducted on topics such as:

• Organic fertiliser and liquid fertiliser production
  
• Climate-smart agriculture practices
• Vegetable and fruit cultivation
• Home gardening techniques

Mr. Malaka worked diligently to educate Mrs. Leelawathi  on good agricultural practices and provided technical guidance to ensure successful cultivation. His dedicated efforts in guiding farmers have been instrumental in advancing the project's development objectives, and his commitment is truly appreciated. Mrs. Leelawathi also participated in the Farmer Business School programs, gaining valuable insights into the marketing of agricultural products. Recognising her commitment and talent, the project provided her with an insect-proof net, drip irrigation system, poly-mulch for ¼ acre, and a composting kit.

AI Mr. Malaka and AF Ms.Nuwanthi with the farmer

After receiving comprehensive training, including Climate Smart agriculture Practices, she carefully prepared the land, installed the drip irrigation system, and set up the insect-proof net. She began by cultivating the MICH-01 chilli variety. The first crop, which combined chemical fertilisers (applied via drip irrigation) with organic fertilisers, significantly outperformed conventional chilli crops. According to Mrs. Leelawathi:

• The insect-proof net raised internal temperatures, reducing pest infestations and plant diseases.
• The drip irrigation system ensured efficient water use and direct fertiliser application.
• The poly-mulch helped retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, further reducing labour and irrigation costs.
• The composting kit enabled her to produce her own compost fertiliser, which she used effectively in her cultivation. This not only reduced her dependency on external inputs but also improved soil fertility and contributed to sustainable farming practices

Her first harvest yielded 650–750 kg of chilli, with a production cost of around Rs. 25,000 and a return of approximately Rs. 150,000—a substantial profit that demonstrates the value of climate-smart agriculture. Mrs. Leelawathi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge, innovation, and dedication. Her success serves as a model for other farmers in the area.

 Story and photographs by K.A.A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP