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Farmer Kumara's paddy field |
The
Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Sri Lanka is a
comprehensive initiative dedicated to improving the productivity and climate
resilience of smallholder farmers, especially in provinces most vulnerable to
climate change. Through targeted support, technical training, and modern
infrastructure, CSIAP has empowered thousands of families to overcome
traditional farming challenges and achieve sustainable livelihoodsBackground:
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 |
Joining
the CSIAP program in 2020 marked a turning point for the Kumara family. The
project offered a comprehensive set of interventions tailored to their needs,
including: technical training on sustainable climate-smart agriculture at the
Thirappane Climate Smart Farmer Training School; specialized training on the
proper use of fertilizer and leadership development; installation of a
sprinkler irrigation system to ensure a reliable year-round water supply;
access to high-quality, climate-resilient seeds such as green gram and
groundnut; provision of a solar water pump, significantly reducing dependence
on electricity for irrigation; an insect-proof net to protect crops from pests;
and construction of an agro-well to guarantee continuous water availability. With
these resources, the family diversified their cultivation—growing long beans
and watermelon on three-quarters of an acre under protected conditions, and
paddy on another three-quarters of an acre. The result has been a dramatic
increase in both yield and income, with the family now earning a net profit of
Rs. 150,000 per month.  |
They are with the combined harvester purchased |
Impact
on Livelihood and Wellbeing
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 |
Gratitude and SupportTheir
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
Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-06-06
