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.
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
-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
(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
(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.
Recommendation
(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
(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.
-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
Posted by CSIAP Sri Lanka Read full article Published Date : 2024-12-21