The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by WM & M Specialist

·       Puthukkulm Tank – The Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

      Progress—The bund earth filling has been completed. The side slope of the bund, turfing, and graveling remain to be completed. The P.K. Type spillway was completed and the D/S of spillway access should be cleared to accommodate flood flow. The progress of the Causeway construction is 50%. The D/S canal works and graveling of three farm roads should be completed.

The contractor agreed to finish the balance of the work within 3 weeks. The DPD(NP) was instructed to monitor this work closely and submit the real work plan for balanced work according to the contractor's suggested work plan. 

·       Embaikulam tank - Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

Progress – The bund construction and graveling of the bund top were completed. The balance work of 4 nos. canal drops structures, turnout structures 4 nos and 300 m canal road should be finished.

The contractor agreed to finish the balance of the work within 3 weeks. 

·       Manalkulam Tank - Contractor - Advantis Project & engineering (Pvt) Ltd.

Progress – Tank Bund – Earth work to be started. The spillway construction was stopped. Under the Sluice construction, pipes laying and headwall construction were completed, but the excavated section for pipe laying was not filled properly, creating a problem with storing the water. The contractor placed the sandbags to store the water to avoid the situation. It was not successful. The farm road was completed without providing a gravel top surface and was damaged by the floods. The contractor agreed to complete all the balance works within 2 months after finishing the monsoon rains. 

·       Keechukulam tank -Contractor – Pastini Construction Material supply 

Progress—The Tank construction and the Agri road were completed. The last flood damaged some sections of this road. Nearly 25 m of the LB side slope and 10 m of the road's surface were washed off. During the field visit, the contractor was instructed to construct several low-elevation road sections with 6” thick concrete to correct the road. 

·       Periyakulam Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut & LB turn out to be rehabilitated.

(Coordinate= 9.063561, 80.697526) Anicut has 02 bays with 6” planking arrangement (bay width =1.27m) The full supply height is 0.9m and proposed to provide 3 Nos. gates (with each bay 1.20m) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with a 12” bolder packed gabion-type reno mattress. Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation. 

·       Kuruvicharu Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut, (Coordinate = 9.123173, 80.653974)

Anicut has 04 bays (width =2.0m), F.S.L Height is 1.8 m and RB turn- out with 2’ dia. Pipe gate.

Proposed to provide 7 Nos. gates (1.20m bays) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with 12’ bolder packed gabion type reno mattress, 6m length.

Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation. 

·       Vilappukulam Anicut – Mulaitivu – Existing Anicut, GN. Division- Palampasi

Anicut has 07 bays (width =1.2m) and 2 bays with 2’ dia. Pipe gate. F.S.L Height is 1.8 m and LB turn out with a 2’x2’ gate. Proposed to provide 7 Nos. gates (1.20m bays) with a lifting arrangement. It is required to protect the D/S side with 12’ bolder packed gabion type reno mattress, 6m length. Required designs and sketches were given to the DAD staff for estimation.  

·       Semmankunru SWE Bund – Kilinochchi

Contractor – MKH Construction, SWE Bund earthwork was completed, and the Turfing part is almost completed.  The other part of the bund was protected by a rubble packing layer with geotextile provided to the bund surface. Rubble packing work is not completed and it should be finished immediately. The main issue for the construction delay is the access to the bund was inundated with water. 

·       General matters

Northern Province Steering Committee Meeting – PID(NP) requested help for the EIA process of Mandakallaru Barrage.

Rehabilitation of road bridge in D/S of Muthyankattu Tank – The main reason for the request is local farmers in this area can not move during the spilling time.

Handing of the completion tanks to the Implementing Agencies – PID requested to hand over the tanks that are above 200 Acs of the irrigable area to the PID(NP). Because the mandatory power has belonged to PID. 

·       Recommendations

1.     Rehabilitation works should be expedited after the monsoon situation and DPD should follow up the balance works with close supervision. It requires a real work plan which is obtained from the contractor.

2.    Flood damage estimates to be prepared with consultation Implementing Agency staff and FO. Before starting the construction, DPD should submit the estimate for PD’s concurrence.

3.    Anicut Estimates should be prepared immediately and submitted to the PMU for STEP approval.

4.    DPD’s technical staff should coordinate properly with the Implementing Agency during the processing of contract bills in all aspects.

5.     DPD should keep the records of low performance of contractors and shear with all DPDS and

6.    PMU to avoid selecting that type of contractor in the future. 

By Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, Water Management and Monitoring Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The Field Visit Report of the CSIAP in Northern Province by CSA Specialist

The field visit is crucial in various contexts because it provides firsthand information, direct observation, and valuable insights that might not be apparent through desk research or remote work. The field visit on 19th and 20th December 2024 involved travelling to Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts of the Northern Province to assess the progress of interventions, gather data, and evaluate their implementation and impact on the ground. During this tour, the CSIAP team assesses project implementation and alignment with plans, identifies challenges and areas requiring improvement, and engages with stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, implementing agencies and contractors.

• Participants:  Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director, Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, CSA Spe., Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, M&E Spe., Mr. Nissanka, Water Management Spe.Mr. Gamini Subasinghe, ESS Spe., Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC/ICT Spe. of the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project CSIAP) participated in the field visit   
•  Visited locations:  Kilinochchi & Mullativu districts
•  The objective of the visit: To observe the ground-level progress of tank rehabilitation and Agriculture & Marketing programs

Activities carried out        

(1) On 19.12.2024 (Thursday)

During this day, the team visited the following sites and discussed them with the relevant contractors and farmers. The team members' comments and decisions are presented below.

(I)  Grain stores – Koolampuri – Mullativu district 

The following matters were discussed.  As per the Engineer–Building Department,

   (a) The waterproofing painting and fixing of Aluminum doors for windows will be done soon

    (b) In the meantime, DPD – NP requested to fulfil the following additional requirements to ensure the smooth operations of this store successfully.

   -        Construction of security fence (Barb wire) around the store

   -        Establishment of an Elephant fence around the security fence

   -        Construction of Watcher hut 

   -        Construction of Drying floor

   -        Construction of Access Road within inside premises

 The Building Department Engineer said around Rs. 35 Mn will be requested as a total estimate to complete the above works.

In the meantime discussed the successful operation strategy of this store, after completion of all works. The several opinions were raised such as the implementation of a joint venture with a private sector entity or with a farmer company, and carrying out a joint venture program with the collaboration of RRDB bank.

 Also, at the provincial NSC meeting held with the Chief Secretary – NP at Jaffna, it was decided to hand this building over to DOA – NP and further instructed to PD – DOA (NP) to hand over the operation responsibility of this store to identified potential farmer company after signing an agreement.

    (II) Kumara Kulasingham farm - at Keppapilaw village in Mulliyavalai ASC division

           - This farmer has been given Agro-well, Water Pump and Red Onion seeds (bulb) from the project.  

           -He has cultivated Red Onion and Chili in his farm and the Red Onion crop is in the  growing stage and Chilli crop has caught heavy rains and damaged the crop since he has not established CSA mitigation methods. (eg. Not install the raised beds for Chili cultivation).

This farmer requested an Insect Proof net to protect the crops from pest & wild animal attacks.  

Recommendation

• To establish raised beds for Chilli cultivation with mulching of crops
• To introduce the Micro Irrigation system to onion cultivation

    (III)  Malini Udaya Kumara farm – at Palampathi village in Oddusudan ASC Division            

-This farmer has been given a Solar pump (1.65 KW) and Maize seeds from the project.                                                                                                                 -She has cultivated Maize, Brinjal and Paddy in his farm. This is a crop-diversified farm.

-The farmer said she is able to save Rs.15000 per month from the fuel cost and the total saving from the fuel will be Rs.50,000 end of the  season which is the higher benefit to her.    -She has invested money to purchase a new tractor for his farm.

 Recommendation 

• Use insect-repellent bulbs for brinjal cultivation  

(IV)   Thavakumar farm – at Vaunerikulam in Akkanayar ASC division 

              -This farmer has been given Laser levelling support and Paddy transplanting support from the project.

              -He has done Paddy transplanting using mechanized transplanters (in 6.0 Acres) in Laser levelling Paddy field.

             -The farmer said that this is the first time he carried out Paddy cultivation with Laser levelling and land consolidation. 

Also, he said that, the novel farming practice gives him lot of benefits such as water and fertilizer distribution equally throughout the fields and which leads to higher growth of all plants and be able to get higher yield from the farm. Besides, the use of a Mechanized transplanter for Paddy cultivation gives an opportunity to use Power weeders for weed control, which lands to minimize weedicide costs, which will be Rs.12,000 per acre. 

Recommendation  

• To do the crop-cutting survey and compare the yield variation with the direct seeding method
•  To  Arrange Exposure visit to this field and share the experience with other farmers

(V) Akkarayan Processing Centre

-Project has given Processing machines (eg. Seed cleaning machines, Ground nut decorticator, Black gram skin remover, Oil Expeller and Grinding machine) to this Centre. 

  -Akkarayan Producer Association runs this Centre by providing services to the members.

 Recommendation 

• Efficiently use the machines of this centre and provide benefits for more farmers in this area.

 (2) On 20.12.2024 (Friday) , during this day, our team visited to following places and attend the following discussions.

(I)   Attend to the meeting with Governor – NP 

            -Our team explained the activities carried out by the project and the current progress of the project.

            -The governor insisted on paying more attention when selecting the beneficiaries to provide project benefits.

            -PD, CSIAP informed that the project could assist needy farmers within the project area, and requested the Governor’s support for this program.

(II)  The team attended the Northern Provincial steering committee meeting with the Chief Secretary – NP and discussed the following matters.

  -Handing over the tanks exists over 200 Ac of command area to the PID.  

   -Construction of Mandagal Aru barrage through project funds and preparation of EIA as early as possible with the collaboration of the University or CEA.  

   -Construction of Perawan bridge, to ensure easy access to this area, which leads to improve the Agri produce marketing activities in this area. 

  -Include weather forecasting & Agro met training and Disaster Management training in the NP training plan to enhance the farmers' knowledge of climate change and adapt them to carry out farming activities based on weather patterns.                         

-Updating of Inventories to monitor the farmer equipment issues to project beneficiaries.  

-Instruct the Provincial Director – DOA (NP) to prepare a proposal to take over Koolampuri grain stores and legally hand over to a selected farmer company to ensure its productive utilization.  

           -Establishment of a CSA unit within the Provincial Agriculture Department in NP to continuously carry out CSA programs in  NP after the project completion.   

           -Selected only suitable and potential farmers to carry out the CSA demonstration program in NP, with the assistance of Agriculture                               Instructors.  

           -Establish 20 Nos CSA Demo plots within the NP project area with the collaboration of DOA – NP.

(III)   Santhiya’s farm in Jeyapuram – at Mulankavil ASC division 

          -This farmer has been given a Solar pump, Sprinkler Irrigation unit (1/4 Ac) and Mini tiller from the project.

          -He has cultivated Chili and Capsicum with Sprinkler Irrigation

          -The farmer said he can save Rs.30000 per month as fuel cost, minimize the labour cost for weeding and fertilizer application by using of  Mini tiller for farming.

          -Also, he stressed that he can do the Yala cultivation with minimum water usage due to use of Sprinkler Irrigation for this cultivation and  be able to eliminate the water stress for the plants, which leads to increase equal crop growth and get higher production in future.

 Recommendation 

• Advised to install Insect proof net around Chilli & Capsicum cultivation to minimize the pest attack.
•   Apply straw mulch for the Chilli cultivation to increase water use efficiency

By Frank Jayasinghe, CSA Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

CSIAP Top Officials Monitor Progress of Ongoing Activities in Northern Province

Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena, the Project Director and Specialists from the Project Management Unit of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) monitored the status of CSIAP’s ongoing activities during an observation tour of the Northern Province commenced today (19th). During this tour, project locations were visited to monitor and assess ongoing operations and gain important insights into the implementation, challenges and outcome of the project. 

By doing such visits, the Project Director expects

• Real-Time Observations: Get a firsthand look into the CSIAP’s operations and conditions to gain a better understanding of challenges and achievements.
• Monitoring: Assess the progress, quality, and impact of the project and identify gaps/ areas that require improvement.
• Practical Understanding: Gain insights into the CSIAP’s objectives and real-world implementation and understand how theoretical plans translate into actionable results.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Interact with beneficiaries, stakeholders and team members to gather feedback and build relationships with the community involved.
• Improved Decision-Making: Apply knowledge gained from the visit to • Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate with team members, beneficiaries, and stakeholders to get their opinions and cultivate ties with the community.
• Better Decision-Making: Use insights from the visit to make informed decisions or adjustments.
• Community Insights: Understand how the CSIAP affects and meets the requirements of the community.
• Performance Assessment: Evaluate whether the CSIAP meets its goals within the expected timeframe and budget.

     Climate Smart Agriculture Specialist Mr. Frank Jayasinghe, Water Management and Monitoring Specialist Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist Mr. Nalaka Attanayake, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist Mr. Gamini Subasinghe and Information, Education and Communication & Information and  Communication Technology Specialist Mr. Samantha Mallawaarachchi from the PMU went on a two-day observation and monitoring tour with the Project Director in Northern Province as follows. 

      The rehabilitation process of the Puthukulam Tank in Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, was recently reviewed on-site, during which the Project Director, Mr. Bandulasena, instructed the contractor to complete the work as a matter of urgency to ensure timely benefits to the local agricultural community. During the site inspection, Eng. N.A.I.U.K. Nissanka, the Water Management and Monitoring Specialist of CSIAP, who pioneered the design of the first-ever Piano-type spill in the project area, received specific remarks from the Project Director for his innovative contribution to improving water management in the province.

     The comprehensive rehabilitation works under the Puthukulam Tank include the construction of a Piano-type Spill, Bund Works, sluices, Field Channels, Access Roads, and Causeways, with a total estimated cost of Rs 35 million. These infrastructure enhancements are expected to improve irrigation efficiency, strengthen flood and water control measures, and facilitate better access for farmers, ultimately contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity and sustainable water resource management in the surrounding communities.

      The Project Director has instructed the contractor to expedite the rehabilitation process of the Embaikulam Tank in Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, emphasizing the need for immediate completion to support local agricultural activities. The rehabilitation works include the construction of Agri Roads, Bund Works, Field Channels, and Access Roads, all designed to enhance water management, improve farm-to-market connectivity, and strengthen irrigation efficiency in the surrounding farmlands. 

      The total investment for these critical infrastructure improvements is estimated at Rs 30 million, reflecting the project’s commitment to sustainable agricultural development and rural infrastructure enhancement. Once completed, the upgraded tank and associated works are expected to increase irrigation coverage, reduce water loss, and support higher crop productivity, thereby directly benefiting the local farming community and contributing to regional food security.   

      A new Grain Store, spanning an area of over 1,100 square meters, has been constructed in Koolamurippu, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District, at an investment of Rs 69 million. The facility is designed to safely store large quantities of harvested grains, providing local farmers with a secure and climate-resilient storage solution.

      Equipped with modern infrastructure, the grain store aims to minimize post-harvest losses, maintain grain quality, and enhance the supply chain efficiency in the region. This strategic investment is expected to strengthen food security, support farmers’ livelihoods, and promote organized grain marketing, while contributing to the broader objectives of sustainable agricultural development in Mullaitivu.

      A technical discussion was recently held with the contractor regarding the construction of culverts and the modification of access roads in flood-prone areas of Keechukulam, Oddusudan, Mullaitivu District. This initiative aims to strengthen local infrastructure and protect agricultural lands from seasonal flooding.  As part of the project, a total of 14 culverts are planned to be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 5 million. These culverts are strategically designed to facilitate smooth water flow during heavy rains, thereby preventing damage to agricultural roads, farm access routes, and standing crops. Additionally, the modification of access roads will improve connectivity for farmers and transport vehicles, ensuring safe and reliable movement even during the monsoon season.

      This intervention is expected to enhance the resilience of rural infrastructure, reduce post-flood repair costs, and support sustainable agricultural practices in flood-affected areas, ultimately contributing to the stability and productivity of local farming communities.      

     Farmer Kumara Kulasingham (55) from Keppapilav, Muliyawali, has transformed his agricultural practice with the support of the CSIAP. With the project’s assistance in rehabilitating his agro-well and provision of a reliable water pump, he has successfully revitalized his farmland, ensuring consistent irrigation and improved crop yields. This intervention has not only enhanced his agricultural productivity but also strengthened his resilience against seasonal water shortages, enabling him to sustain his livelihood more effectively.

     Similarly, U. Malani (50) from Palampasi, Oddusudan, has made remarkable progress in maize cultivation, thanks to CSIAP support. The project supplied her with high-quality maize seeds and a solar-powered water pump, empowering her to manage irrigation efficiently and sustainably. This assistance has allowed her to achieve a productive harvest while embracing climate-smart agricultural practices, demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods.

      The Project Director has issued instructions to the contractor to expedite the rehabilitation of the Vannerikulam Tank in Kilinochchi District, emphasizing the urgent need to complete the works to benefit local farmers and ensure timely irrigation support. The ongoing rehabilitation activities include the construction of Bund Works and three Spill Works, designed to enhance water retention, improve flood management, and ensure a reliable water supply for agricultural lands surrounding the tank. The total investment for these critical infrastructure improvements amounts to Rs 114 million, reflecting a significant commitment to strengthening irrigation systems and supporting rural livelihoods. 

     Once completed, the upgraded tank and associated works are expected to increase water availability for cultivation, prevent damage from seasonal floods, and promote higher crop productivity, thereby contributing to sustainable agricultural development and food security in the Kilinochchi region.

   The Project Director, along with his team, recently visited a paddy field in Vannerikulam, Kilinochchi District, to witness the application of Laser Level Technology, a modern technique aimed at optimising water distribution and improving crop productivity. The field belongs to Farmer M. Thawakumar (40), who has successfully transplanted his paddy crop using the Paddy Transplanter provided by the CSIAP.

      This demonstration highlights the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices in the region, combining precision land levelling with mechanised transplanting to enhance efficiency, reduce labour requirements, and promote uniform crop growth. By adopting these technologies, Farmer Thawakumar is able to maximize water use efficiency, improve yield potential, and reduce cultivation costs, serving as a model for other farmers in the area to embrace innovative and sustainable farming methods. The visit also reinforced the CSIAP’s commitment to empowering farmers with modern agricultural technologies, supporting resilient and productive farming systems in the flood-prone and climate-sensitive areas of Kilinochchi.

      The Project Director recently conducted an inspection of the operational facilities provided to the Akkarayan Producer Association in Skanthapuram, Kilinochchi District. During the visit, the Project Director reviewed the functioning of a range of agricultural processing and value-addition equipment supplied under the project, including a Groundnut Decorticator, Seed Paddy Cleaning Machine, Cassava Slicing Machine, Coconut Oil Expellers, Turmeric Grinding Machine, and Weighing Scale.

      The inspection highlighted how these machines are enhancing the productivity and efficiency of the producer association by enabling members to process raw agricultural produce locally, reduce post-harvest losses, and add value to their products. By mechanizing key processing operations, the equipment is also saving labour, ensuring consistent quality, and improving market competitiveness for the association’s products. This initiative reflects the project’s broader commitment to strengthening farmer organizations, promoting agro-based enterprises, and supporting sustainable livelihoods in rural Kilinochchi, empowering local communities to derive higher income and economic resilience from their agricultural activities. 

     A special coordination meeting was recently convened at the Deputy Project Director’s Office of the CSIAP in the Northern Province, Kilinochchi District. The meeting brought together contractors and provincial project staff with the objective of accelerating the rehabilitation of tank-related infrastructure in the region.

      During the discussions, participants reviewed the current progress of ongoing works, identified bottlenecks, and formulated strategies to ensure timely completion. Emphasis was placed on streamlining operations, enhancing coordination among stakeholders, and adhering to project timelines, with a focus on maximizing benefits to local farmers. This initiative underscores CSIAP’s commitment to efficient project management, sustainable water resource rehabilitation, and support for agricultural productivity in tank-dependent communities of Kilinochchi.  

       A high-level discussion was recently held at the Governor’s Secretariat in Jaffna to review the progress of the CSIAP in the Northern Province and to outline the plans for implementation through December 2025. The meeting took place with Mr. Nagalingam Vethanayaham, Governor of Northern Province, and included senior CSIAP officials.  

      During the discussion, Project Director Mr. S. M. Saman Bandulasena highlighted the significant contributions of the CSIAP, emphasizing how the project has enhanced agricultural development and improved the living standards of farmers across the province. He also presented the future strategy to expand project activities extensively until December 2025, ensuring continued support for climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural practices.

      The meeting also featured active engagement from Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northern Province, and subject specialists from the Project Management Unit (PMU), who shared technical insights and exchanged ideas with Governor Vethanayaham on optimizing project outcomes. This interaction reinforced the CSIAP’s commitment to collaborative planning, effective implementation, and long-term support for farmers in the Northern Province. 

      The 8th Provincial Steering Committee (PSC) meeting was convened at the Chief Secretary’s Secretariat in Jaffna, bringing together officers from the Provincial Department of Irrigation, Provincial Department of Agriculture, Department of Agrarian Development, other key stakeholders, and representatives from  CSIAP. The meeting was held under the patronage of Mr. L. Ilaangovan, Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, to review the progress achieved in 2024, address ongoing challenges, and outline the action plan for 2025.

      During the session, participants assessed the outcomes of ongoing initiatives, discussed operational challenges, and explored strategies to enhance the effectiveness of project interventions in the province. The meeting emphasized collaboration among government departments and stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of planned activities, with the aim of strengthening agricultural productivity, improving water management, and supporting rural livelihoods. This meeting underscores the Provincial Government’s and the CSIAP’s commitment to coordinated planning, evidence-based decision-making, and the sustainable advancement of agriculture in the Northern Province.. 

     The recently constructed one-kilometer-long Salt Water Excursion Bund in Semankundru, Kilinochchi District, built at an investment of Rs. 90 million, was inspected to assess its functionality and impact. This infrastructure is designed to control the intrusion of saltwater into agricultural lands, protecting crops and improving soil quality in the surrounding areas.

      By regulating saline water entry, the bund is expected to enhance agricultural productivity, safeguard farmers’ livelihoods, and support sustainable farming practices in the region. The inspection also provided an opportunity to evaluate construction quality and ensure that the bund meets design specifications, reflecting a commitment to effective water management and climate-resilient agricultural infrastructure in Kilinochchi.

      The recently completed Bund and Spill Works under the Theekiri Tank in Semankundru, Kilinochchi District, were observed to assess their functionality and impact on local irrigation. These structures have been designed to regulate water flow, enhance storage capacity, and prevent flooding, thereby ensuring a reliable water supply for surrounding agricultural lands.

      The observation highlighted how the bund and spill works are expected to support sustainable farming practices, protect crops during heavy rainfall, and improve overall water management in the region. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote climate-resilient irrigation systems in Kilinochchi.

     Farmer V. Kesan (30) from Jeyapuram village, Mulankavil, Kilinochchi District, has successfully cultivated his field using a range of modern agricultural inputs and technologies provided by the CSIAP. His cultivation includes Capsicum and Chilli crops, supported by a solar-powered water pump, sprinkler irrigation system, insect-proof net, and an inter-cultivator Highland power weeder.

      The farmer’s field was recently observed, showcasing how climate-smart technologies and mechanized tools can enhance crop management, improve irrigation efficiency, reduce pest damage, and minimize labor requirements. By adopting these innovations, Farmer Kesan has not only improved productivity and crop quality but also set a practical example for other farmers in the region to embrace sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. This observation underscores the CSIAP’s commitment to empowering farmers with modern technologies, promoting efficient resource use, and enhancing livelihoods in climate-sensitive areas of Kilinochchi.

     Farmer S. Ketheshwaran (50) from Neradampan, Kilinochchi District, has successfully cultivated her field using modern agricultural inputs and climate-smart technologies provided by the CSIAP. Her crops include Capsicum and Chilli, supported by a sprinkler irrigation system, solar-powered water pumps, and an insect-proof net, enabling efficient water management, pest control, and improved crop productivity.

    This farmer’s field was recently observed during a field visit organized and facilitated by Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of rhe CSIAP in the Northern Province, along with his provincial staff. The observation highlighted how the adoption of innovative technologies and mechanised tools can enhance yields, reduce labour requirements, and promote sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

      This visit underscores the CSIAP’s ongoing commitment to empowering farmers, supporting climate-resilient farming, and improving livelihoods in Kilinochchi’s agriculture-dependent communities.

     By Samantha Mallawaarachchi, IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP

The World Bank Officials Brief Progress and Outcomes of the CSIAP Field Visits

A comprehensive briefing was conducted today (13th) at the Project Management Unit, following progress tours in North Central, Northern, Eastern, Southern and Uva provinces where the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project is being implemented. World Bank Officials reviewed the current status of the project, identified achievements, addressed concerns, and evaluated next steps in ensuring timely completion. The Task Team Leader (TTL) of the CSIAP & Mission Leader Dr.  Sheu Salau of the World Bank assessed key areas of progress, reviewed project milestones, and addressed any existing challenges impacting the timeline.

During the briefing, CSIAP’s Project Director Mr. S.M. Saman Bandulasena emphasized the importance of implementing project activities that benefit the community, maintaining quality and adhering to deadlines. Senior Agriculture Specialist Dr. Athula Senarathne, Consultant Mr. S. Manoharan and Consultant Prof. V.K. Ravichandran, Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant Mr Jagath Seneviratne and Value Chain and Agribusiness Development Consultant Mr Sanjeewa Rodrigo of the World Bank and Deputy Project Director, Mr. H.M.P Bandara, Subject Specialists and Officers of the CSIAP.

Photograph by Nikeshala Kodithuwakku, PMU, CSIAP

CS Home Gardening & Farmer Training, success stories from CSIAP Farmers in EP