The CSIAP Hands Over Tractors and Laser Land Levellers to Support Farmers

In a continued effort to strengthen climate-smart agriculture and improve land productivity, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) ceremonially handed over tractors and laser land levellers to key agricultural institutions for the benefit of farmers. Under this initiative, one set of tractors and a laser land leveller each was provided to the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Northern Province, and the Rice Research and Development Institute (RRDI), Bathalagoda. These high-value assets, amounting to Rs. 24 million, will be made available for farmers to hire through the respective institutions, ensuring broader access to modern, precision land preparation technologies.

Marking the occasion, Dr. Sheu Salau, Senior Agriculture Economist and Task Team Leader (TTL) of the World Bank for CSIAP, handed over the symbolic key to Ms. Suganthiny Senthilkumaran, Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, at the Deputy Project Director’s Office of CSIAP (Northern Province) in Kilinochchi yesterday (31st). Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP (Northern Province), welcomed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mechanisation in achieving efficient water management and enhanced crop productivity in the dry zones.  The ceremony was graced by Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, CSIAP, who witnessed the handover, and Mr. Seenithamby Manoharan, Senior Consultant for Agriculture and Rural Development of the World Bank, along with officials from government departments and staff of  the CSIAP.

 This initiative stands as a testament to CSIAP’s unwavering commitment to empowering farming communities through the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and sustainable land management practices. By introducing advanced equipment such as tractors and laser land levellers, the project not only enhances farm-level productivity and water-use efficiency but also contributes to building climate resilience among smallholder farmers across the areas where the CSIAP is being implemented. 

The event concluded on a positive note, as all participants—representing the World Bank, the CSIAP, and partner government institutions—joined together for a group photograph, symbolising their shared dedication to fostering a more sustainable and climate-smart agricultural future in Sri Lanka.

Story by S. Kesiga, Environmental Safeguard Officer, CSIAP, Northern Province