Favorable result of adopting the Parachute Seeding Method when cultivating

CSA Home Gardening by farmer Nadun Suresh at Lahugala in Eastern Province

Leadership and Team Building Programmes commenced for District Level Officers

Two Out Bound Training Programmes on Leadership and Team building for Agriculture Development Officers, Agriculture Instructors, Agriculture Technical Assistants, Technical Officers, Draftsman, Soil Tester, Work Supervisors and Development Officers from Department of Agrarian Development, Provincial Department of Agriculture and Department of Irrigation was organized by Deputy Project Director’s Office of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP ) at Ree-Cha Organic Resort, Iyakkachchi, Kilinochchi recently.

These programmes, in which even the project staff participated, consisted of  Orientation & Introduction; (45 Minutes), Characteristics of Leadership concepts (01 hour), Out Bounce Activities: (05 hours & 30 minutes) and Summary, feedback from participants & Closing remarks: (30 minutes). Inaugurating the event as a Chief Guest, Mr. A. G. C. Babu, Deputy Project Director, CSIAP-Northern Province expressed the CSIAP project interventions and crucial roles of the participants & purpose of the Training programme.  Mr. S. Nilojan, Acting Institutional Development & Capacity Building Specialist, CSIAP- Northern province explained the goal of these programmes, guidelines and basic instructions.  

Conducting these training programmes, Mr. B. Sribavan, Humen Recourse Development Officer, District Secretariat - Jaffna discussed the theme of the training programme, course content and major outcome of the programme and presented Leadership & Teambuilding concepts, Types of leadership, Importance of leadership, Skills and  Characteristics of Leaders while Mr. S. Kalatharan, Development Officer, Pradeshiya Sabha – Nallur, facilitated the session with brainstorming activities. During these programmes, participants were fully engaged in the “Team Up” activity and learned how to organize a team properly. Participants were involved in different learning activities such as Cane balancing with the floor, Ball passing among team members, Human tunnel, Tower building, Hula Hoop Activity, Risk zone recovery, Number training and Rope chain training, etc. Later, they have an opportunity to gain knowledge on  Communication (Non- Verbal, Non- Violence), Collaboration, Critical thinking, Creativity, Initiative, Decision making, Out of box thinking, Flexibility, Productivity, Self Confidence, Self-evaluation, Resource management and  Skill identification etc.  

The WB discusses the way forward in proposed activities for next 18th month

The World Bank Officials visited the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) this morning (14th) to discuss the way forward in proposed activities during the period of project extension from July 2024 to December 2025.

Representing the World Bank, Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne, Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Mr. Sarath Wickramarathne attended this meeting. Eng. R. M. B. Rajakaruna, Project Director led the CSIAP team with Mr. R. P.M. Dissanayake, Deputy Project Director- Southern Province and subject-related specialists of the PM. Deputy Project Directors of North Western, North Central, Eastern, Northern and Uva provincial offices of the CSIAP joined the meeting via Webex.

The areas of focus would include:
CSA program
a. Agronomic improvements to be scaled up
b. New developments of farmer training school(s)
c. Proposed CSA Center at the MOAPI

Agribusiness and value chain development program
a. Brainstorming discussion on agribusiness and value chain development activities for identifying an innovative program
b. Possibility of getting international expert support

2. Institutional development and capacity building program
a. Next steps of CMP development and implementation
b. Progress of issuing a public administration circular and cabinet paper on CMCs
c. Workshops and awareness programs - Implementing Street dramas, organization of a workshop for DSs, National workshop for heads of institutions

3. Integrated water management in cascade systems and strengthening Fos
a. Prepare a combined training program by Water Resource Management and ID&CB teams and with the support of the other relevant PMU staff and government officers to strengthen the capacity of the FOs.

4. Digital agriculture developments and MIS
a. Next steps of MIS development
b. Utilization of MIS effectively for monitoring and project impact evaluation
c. Other areas of digital development

5. Other relevant matters
a. Amalgamation of Uva and Southern Province and organization of project activities in these provinces during the extension period; recruitment of vacant staff positions

This discussion is a continuation of the dialogue the World Bank started on actions agreed during the recent implementation support mission and the subsequent meeting the World Bank had with the CSIAP’s staff on the allocation of funds for respective project components.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP 

The CSIAP Leads the Initiative to Develop Zonal Land Use Plans for 60 Cascades

The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), which implements its activities through a cascade management approach, has established 54 Cascade Management Committees (CMCs) across its project areas, with another six to be formed soon. These committees develop Cascade Management Plans (CMPs) to guide the protection and development of cascades, including detailed cascade profiles and development plans. Recognizing the importance of land suitability, the Department of Land Use Policy Planning (LUPPD) agreed to prepare Zonal Land Use Plans for 60 cascades under the project. As a first step, a two-day workshop was recently held at the Four Points Resort, Anuradhapura, with 65 officers from both CSIAP and LUPPD participating to discuss and finalize guidelines for preparing these plans.

The workshop included detailed sessions on the historical significance of Sri Lanka’s tank cascade systems, the roles of CMCs, and the process of preparing CMPs. Participants engaged in group work to finalize the Zonal Land Use Plan guidelines. The second day featured a field visit to the Meehondawewa cascade, where participants, guided by an expert, identified various components and degradation issues caused by human and natural activities. The workshop was considered highly successful and is expected to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to implement cascade management effectively across the project districts. 

 By Upali Rathnayake, Institutional & Capacity Building Specialist, NCP, CSIAP

Making framers aware of Seasonal Paddy Field Electric Fence in Kilinochchi

In order to boost agricultural productivity and safeguard paddy cultivation from damages caused by wild animals, the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) organized an awareness programme at the Department of Agrarian Development, Kilinochchi for farmers in Kilinochchi with the participation of Officials of Agrarian Service Centers (ASCs) in Kilinochchi. This programme emphasized the importance of implementing effective protective measures to be taken against wild animals and focusing on installing and maintaining electric elephant fences.

Key Points of this programme
1. Addressing Humen Elephant Conflicts:
Farmers were made aware of the adverse effects of wild animals, especially elephants causing damage to seasonal paddy cultivation. This session highlighted the severity of wild animals attacks and the urgent need to take protective measures to ensure the safety of crops.

2. Importance and Functionality of Seasonal Electric Fences:
The advantages of using seasonal electric fencing to prevent elephant encroachment were highlighted. Farmers were informed of the operational aspects, tariff management, and maintenance protocols associated with electric fences through a PowerPoint presentation. This detailed overview is aimed at equipping farmers with the knowledge needed to effectively use this electric fence in their fields.

3. Expert Facilitation and Coordination:The program was facilitated by Dr. Janaka Jayawardana, Environmental Social Safeguard Specialist, CSIAP who provided valuable insights into environmental safeguards and sustainable agricultural practices. Mr. A.G.C. Babu, Deputy Project Director, Northern Province (NP), guided to ensured the smooth execution of the event. Ms. S. Kesiga, Environment Protection Officer, CSIAP-NP, coordinated the electric fence initiative, and
pointed out the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and Mr. A. Yogeshwaran, Social Safeguard Officer, CSIAP- NP supported the successful implementation of this programme.

4. Collaborative Engagement and Support
Active participation of key Agricultural Officials, including the Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Agrarian Development and the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Kilinochchi were seen. Their presence reinforced the commitment of governmental bodies to support local farmers in adopting innovative solutions for crop protection.

5. Future Initiatives
The Seasonal Paddy Cultivation Protection Fence Training of Trainers (TOT) will be implemented by the Centre for Conservation and Research (CCR) under the guidance of Dr.Prithvirajh Fernando. This programme focuses on training local trainers to educate and assist farmers in their respective communities and ensure widespread use and effective management of electric fences.

Conclusion
The awareness programme on the Seasonal Paddy Field Electric Fence marks a significant milestone in empowering farmers of Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu. By fostering knowledge exchange and providing practical solutions to Humen Elephant Conflicts, the CSIAP is paving the way for Sustainable Agricultural practices that promise enhanced productivity and security for local farmers. The collaborative efforts of the CSIAP, governmental bodies, and local communities are instrumental in driving this transformative initiative forward.

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

The wrap-up meeting of the CSIAP's Implementation Support Mission held at ERD

The wrap up meeting of Implementation Support Mission, which involves summarizing the work done by the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), highlighting key achievements, discussing lessons learned, and planning for any necessary follow-up actions, was held this morning at the Department of External Resources. This meeting ensures that all aspects of the project are reviewed, and that team members and stakeholders are aligned on the outcomes and next steps. This approach promotes transparency, learning, and continuous improvement of the project.

Mr. Samantha Bandara, Additional Director General, Department of External Resources  chaired this meeting along with Ms. Nalani Amaratunga, Additional Director General, Department of National Budget, Mr. Asiri Ranaweera, Director, Department of Treasury Operations , Mr. P.H. Chandima, Director, Department of Project Management and Monitoring , Mrs. Vijini Gunawardena, Deputy Director, Department of National Planning and Ms. Kausi Jayasinghe, Assistant Director, World Bank Division of Department of External. Representing the World Bank, Dr. Athula Senarathne, Senior Agriculture Specialist was also present.

Dr. Sheu Salau, Task Team Leader of the CSIAP and Mission Leader of the World Bank, Mrs. Lathisha. P. Liyanage, Additional Secretary (Development), Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and Ms. Himali Bogodagedara, Director -World Bank Division of Department of External Resources remotely joined the meeting.