LocationsCITI Foundation transforming the lives of the farming community through seed distribution
Cultivating livelihoods of change
November 1, 2023
Sowing seeds of transformation
46-year-old Mr. W.M. Udeni Dharmarathna, is a farmer residing in the Rambakanayagama village of the Nawagaththegama Divisional Secretariat Division, nestled within the Puttalam District. Mr. Dharmarathna and his wife work hard to earn a living; while she commutes a half-hour journey to Anamaduwa to weave her ambitions in the textile industry, he tends to the one-acre land which falls under the irrigation system of the Rambakayagama cascade system which he proudly calls his own. What's truly remarkable, though, is the transformation that has taken root on his land, all thanks to the rejuvenating touch of the Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP).
Mr. Udeni explained “Farming is my only livelihood and our family's main income. Before the renovation of the Rambakayagama tank by CRIWMP, we faced a lot of problems with irrigation and water supply for cultivation. With the rehabilitation of the Ellanga system, our water problem was solved. However, we continue to face difficulties in seed supply on time, an unprecedented increase in seed prices, and the quality of available seeds. Increasingly erratic weather patterns sometimes destroy our crops and that causes a shortage of seeds for the next cultivation season as well”.
Mastering multi-season cultivation
Under the CITI Foundation project, executed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka and the dedicated team at SAP SRI, a remarkable transformation has unfurled. This initiative has not only tackled the challenges of seed supply and innovative cultivation techniques but has also sowed the seeds of hope and prosperity in the lives of Mr. Udeni and his fellow farmers. With genuine gratitude in his heart, Mr. Udeni now stands as a testament to the tangible impact of these interventions, as they have not only dispelled the shadows of livelihood insecurity but enhanced their farming income.
“We were facing a lot of issues in getting seeds for cultivation on time due to market shortages as well as the climatic conditions affecting self-seed production. We had a severe shortage of seeds during the Maha Season in 2022 when CITI Foundation approached us and distributed the seeds. This included green gram, black gram and finger millet. It was a tremendous support to all the farmers in our area to commence cultivation on time,” Udeni remembers.
Nurturing Financial Growth in Challenging Times
Delving deeper into the transformative impact of the CITI project, Mr. Udeni elaborated on the multifaceted benefits it had brought to their farming community. The project, he explained, had not simply distributed seeds; it had bestowed them with cutting-edge agricultural technologies, enlightened them on self-seed production techniques, equipped them with essential machinery and tools, and lent unwavering support to the establishment of seed banks. These seed banks now stand as pillars of sustainability, ensuring an uninterrupted and abundant supply of seeds for their agricultural pursuits, a lifeline for the flourishing harvests that grace their fields.
Mr. Udeni further added, "The CITI project not only helped us create a seed bank within our village but also guided us in understanding its operation and advantages. They played a pivotal role in formulating operational procedures and provided essential equipment such as carpets and containers. The knowledge they imparted through their training has been the cornerstone of our thriving seed bank”. Praising the seed banks established through the CITI project he says, “We can now borrow seeds from the seed bank at the commencement of the cultivation season. We don’t face any issues with the timely supply of seeds. When we borrow 1kg of seeds, when we return it, we need to give 1.5 kg of seeds. This is an inexpensive, convenient and highly sustainable system. Thanks to the seed bank, we have no more issues with seed supply”.
An enriched landscape of opportunities
The CITI project encompasses a multitude of interventions designed to elevate the efficiency and profitability of farming. Its approach includes the provision of cash grants to offset expenses related to land preparation, fertilizers, and planting. Moreover, it empowers the farming community with valuable training on agricultural techniques and inter-season cultivation. In addition, the project equips farmers with essential tools like roller seeders, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the seeding process.
Mr. Udeni's appreciation for the unwavering support from the CITI project knows no bounds. He enthusiastically conveyed, "The cash grants were a lifeline for us, covering the cultivation costs during a challenging period when our financial resources were strained due to the economic crisis that had gripped the nation. The technological advancements, particularly the inter-season cultivation techniques, have been nothing short of a game-changer. They've propelled us to new heights of prosperity, as we've transitioned from a single-season yield to the bountiful harvest of three seasons annually. Our income, once hovering around Rs. 50,000 per season, has now soared to an impressive Rs. 200,000, a testament to the remarkable impact of the CITI project."
Mr. Udeni noted how their lives have changed due to the interventions of the CITI project. Their harvests have witnessed an impressive surge, leading to a three-to-four-fold increase in their income. With the new technologies, they've not only saved precious time but also opened up new avenues for additional sources of income. The project has strengthened the bonds within Mr Udeni’s family and fostered a deep sense of unity among the farming community. Thanks to the CITI project, they are now equipped with solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change, reinforcing their resilience in the face of adversity.
An enriched landscape of opportunities
The CITI project encompasses a multitude of interventions designed to elevate the efficiency and profitability of farming. Its approach includes the provision of cash grants to offset expenses related to land preparation, fertilizers, and planting. Moreover, it empowers the farming community with valuable training on agricultural techniques and inter-season cultivation. In addition, the project equips farmers with essential tools like roller seeders, enhancing the precision and efficiency of the seeding process.
Mr. Udeni's appreciation for the unwavering support from the CITI project knows no bounds. He enthusiastically conveyed, "The cash grants were a lifeline for us, covering the cultivation costs during a challenging period when our financial resources were strained due to the economic crisis that had gripped the nation. The technological advancements, particularly the inter-season cultivation techniques, have been nothing short of a game-changer. They've propelled us to new heights of prosperity, as we've transitioned from a single-season yield to the bountiful harvest of three seasons annually. Our income, once hovering around Rs. 50,000 per season, has now soared to an impressive Rs. 200,000, a testament to the remarkable impact of the CITI project."
Mr. Udeni noted how their lives have changed due to the interventions of the CITI project. Their harvests have witnessed an impressive surge, leading to a three-to-four-fold increase in their income. With the new technologies, they've not only saved precious time but also opened up new avenues for additional sources of income. The project has strengthened the bonds within Mr Udeni’s family and fostered a deep sense of unity among the farming community. Thanks to the CITI project, they are now equipped with solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change, reinforcing their resilience in the face of adversity.