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| Mrs. Leelawathi is managing her cultivation |
This
is the inspiring story of Mrs. G. Leelawathi, a 64-year-old farmer and member
of the “Dehemi” Producers Society. She resides in Jadura village in the
Ranawarnawa Grama Niladhari Division, under the Weerawila Agricultural Service
Centre in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province. Through determination, innovation, and
support from the Climate Smart Irrigated
Agriculture Project (CSIAP), Mrs. Leelawathi transformed
her life and livelihood through agriculture.
Engaged
in traditional farming alongside her husband Mr. K.A. Somathilaka, a
farmer, Mrs. Leelawathi cultivates crops during both the Yala and Maha seasons. Her journey with
the CSIAP began in 2022, when she sought agricultural guidance. Since then, I
have supported her closely by offering technical knowledge, monitoring her
fields, and helping her adopt modern farming techniques to enhance her economic
stability.
 |
| Farmer Mrs. G. Leelawathi |
The
CSIAP regularly organises capacity-building programs to improve the skills and
knowledge of farmers in the region. Under the guidance of Mr. H.J.A.
Malaka, Agricultural Instructor (AI) in Mattala area, training
sessions were conducted on topics such as:
- Organic
fertiliser and liquid fertiliser production
- Climate-smart
agriculture practices
- Vegetable
and fruit cultivation
- Home
gardening techniques
Mr.
Malaka worked diligently to educate Mrs. Leelawathi on good agricultural practices and provided
technical guidance to ensure successful cultivation. His dedicated efforts in
guiding farmers have been instrumental in advancing the project's development
objectives, and his commitment is truly appreciated. Mrs. Leelawathi also
participated in the Farmer
Business School programs, gaining valuable insights into the
marketing of agricultural products. Recognising her commitment and talent, the
project provided her with an insect-proof
net, drip
irrigation system, poly-mulch
for ¼ acre, and a composting
kit.
 |
| AI Mr. Malaka and AF Ms.Nuwanthi with the farmer |
After
receiving comprehensive training, including Climate Smart agriculture Practices, she carefully prepared the land, installed
the drip irrigation system, and set up the insect-proof net. She began by
cultivating the MICH-01 chilli variety.
The first crop, which combined chemical fertilisers (applied via drip
irrigation) with organic fertilisers, significantly outperformed conventional
chilli crops. According to Mrs. Leelawathi:- The
insect-proof net raised
internal temperatures, reducing pest infestations and plant diseases.
- The
drip irrigation system ensured
efficient water use and direct fertiliser application.
- The
poly-mulch helped retain soil
moisture and suppress weeds, further reducing labour and irrigation costs.
- The
composting kit enabled her to produce her own compost fertiliser, which she
used effectively in her cultivation. This not only reduced her dependency on
external inputs but also improved soil fertility and contributed to sustainable
farming practices
Her
first harvest yielded 650–750 kg
of chilli, with a production cost of around Rs. 25,000 and a return of
approximately Rs. 150,000—a
substantial profit that demonstrates the value of climate-smart agriculture. Mrs.
Leelawathi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of knowledge,
innovation, and dedication. Her success serves as a model for other farmers in
the area.
Story and photographs by K.A.A. Nuwanthi, Agriculture Facilitator,
SP, CSIAP
Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2025-05-20
