Rebirth of Jandurawewa – Empowering 55 Farm Families in Ranawaranawa

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture, has made a substantial impact on farming communities across Sri Lanka’s dry zone. One of the most transformative interventions of the project has been the rehabilitation of traditional irrigation tanks, which are a vital source of water for agriculture in these climate-vulnerable areas. Through the restoration and strengthening of these tanks, the CSIAP has significantly improved the availability and reliability of water for paddy cultivation. As a result, paddy cultivation—which is highly dependent on a reliable water source—has seen notable improvements in both yield and consistency. Farmers, who once faced frequent crop failures due to water scarcity, now have access to adequate irrigation throughout the cultivation cycle.

This consistent water supply has enabled them to grow healthy, high-yielding paddy crops during both Yala and Maha seasons. This, in turn, has enhanced their income-generating capacity and contributed to uplifting their overall living standards. This intervention not only strengthens agricultural productivity but also supports the long-term resilience and economic stability of smallholder farming families in climate-vulnerable areas. As a direct result, farming families in the project areas have experienced a significant boost in agricultural productivity and income generation. Increased harvests not only ensure food security at the household level but also allow farmers to sell surplus produce in local markets, thereby strengthening the rural economy.

In the heart of Ranawaranawa, under the Weerawila Agrarian Service Centre Division in Hambantota, lies the Jandurawewa tank – a once-neglected irrigation source that has now become a lifeline for 55 farming families. Spanning 48 acres, these farmers had long struggled with water scarcity, managing to cultivate paddy only during one season each year.

However, everything changed with the intervention of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP). Through a comprehensive tank rehabilitation program—including bund improvement, spillway construction, and desilting—an investment of Rs. 8.2 million revitalized the tank. As a result, farmers are now able to cultivate both Yala and Maha seasons, doubling their productivity and significantly improving their livelihoods.  To further support the farming community and ensure the sustainability of agricultural activities, the project implemented a solar-powered electric fence system around the paddy fields. This initiative was specifically designed to address the growing issue of crop damage caused by wild animals .The solar-powered system provides a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, operating independently of the national grid. As a result, farmers now experience fewer crop losses and can cultivate their fields with greater confidence and security.

Upon completion of the rehabilitation, the tank was officially handed over to the Parakum Farm Organisation for ongoing management and maintenance. Beyond paddy farming, the organisation has also tapped into an innovative income stream by cultivating lotus flowers in the tank, generating approximately Rs. 12,000 per month during the peak flowering season and around Rs. 7,000 per month during the off-season, contributing to the organisation’s financial sustainability and promoting diversified agricultural practices. The CSIAP didn’t stop there. Understanding the importance of year-round farming, the project also provided mung bean, chili, and groundnut seeds for inter-seasonal cultivation. These interventions have opened new avenues of income for farming families in the area.

Nirosha and Jayasena farmer family

Among the beneficiaries are Mr. P. K. D. Jayasena and Mrs. R. M. Nirosha, a husband-and-wife farming duo who have witnessed a transformation in their livelihood. Sharing their journey, they said:“Before the tank rehabilitation, we struggled with severe water shortages and could only cultivate paddy during one season. Now, we cultivate two full seasons without issue and even grow a variety of vegetables such as Solanum torvum (Tibbatu), Thai Eggplant (Thalana Batu), Winged Bean (Dambala), Tomato, Long Beans (Ma Karal), Maize (Bada Iringu), and Cucumber.

Previously, our annual income was around Rs. 300,000 from the Paddy Cultivation. Now, we earn Rs. 1.7 million, with expenses totaling only Rs. 670,000. Vegetable farming alone adds another Rs. 1,586,000  to our income in 2024.” Mrs. Nirosha, who received training at the Farmer Training School in Thirappane on Climate Smart Agriculture Practices and Technologies, also benefited from a sprinkler irrigation system and financial support for a polytunnel, provided by the CSIAP. The couple expressed their deep gratitude to the CSIAP and the dedicated staff of the Deputy Project Director’s Office in Southern and Uva Provinces. They also extended special thanks to Mr. D.M.L. Bandaranayake, Deputy Project Director, for his continuous encouragement and support.

Beyond income gains, the success of paddy cultivation has led to broader socio-economic improvements. With better earnings, farmers are now able to invest in education, health, housing, and farm inputs—raising their standard of living and creating more resilient livelihoods. Women and youth, in particular, are finding new opportunities in post-harvest processing and agri-entrepreneurship supported by the project.

The
Jandurawewa tank rehabilitation has enabled year-round cultivation, diversified income sources, and improved the resilience and prosperity of local farm families. The project stands as a model for integrated water resource management and community-driven agricultural development.

Story and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP