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| Farmer Kumara's Paddy Field |
Background:
The Kumara Family’s Challenge
Mr.
A. Nishantha Kumara and Ms. S.D. Ayesha Nilangani, a farming couple from
Kawanthissapura in the Southern Province, struggled for years with irregular
income and poor yields due to inadequate irrigation, unpredictable weather, and
limited access to modern agricultural knowledge. Their main concern was
ensuring a better future for their two school-going children, particularly
through higher education.
CSIAP
Intervention and Support
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Kumara and Nilangani are actively engaged in cultivation |
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They are with the combined harvester purchased |
The CSIAP’s interventions have enabled the Kumara family to: cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of seasonal water shortages, purchase their own combine harvester by eliminating the need to borrow the same machine, support their children’s education, including purchasing a computer for online learning and improve food security, health, and home conditions.
The Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and confidence as farmers.
A
Model for Rural Development
The
Kumara family’s journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of
well-designed rural development initiatives. CSIAP’s holistic
approach—combining infrastructure, technical training, and ongoing support—has
not only improved their economic standing but also restored their dignity and
confidence as farmers.
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Nilangani with AF Pathumi |
Their gratitude extends to the CSIAP team, whose support was instrumental in their success. They express their sincere thanks to Agriculture Facilitator (AF) Ms. Pathumi Dissanayake for her continuous support and encouragement. They also acknowledge the valuable guidance and mentorship provided by the Agriculture Instructors, who worked closely with them throughout the process. The Kumara family now serves as an inspiration to neighboring farmers, demonstrating that with the right support, climate-smart agriculture can uplift entire communities and secure a sustainable future for rural Sri Lanka.
“Thanks
to CSIAP, our lives have changed. We can now provide for our children’s future
and help others in our community do the same.” — Kumara family
The Kumara family’s story encapsulates the broader impact of CSIAP: empowering rural families, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices that benefit both people and the environment. Their story mirrors those of other CSIAP beneficiaries across Sri Lanka, where the project has rehabilitated hundreds of tanks, introduced modern irrigation systems, and provided training and material support to thousands of farmers. These efforts have allowed families to cultivate more land, diversify crops, and consistently improve their incomes.
Story and photographs by Pathumi Dissanayake, Agriculture Facilitator, SP, CSIAP
