Solar powered drip system mooted for Jaffna farmers

Nimal WIJESINGHE- Anuradhapura Additional District Group correspondent

The Agriculture Ministry plans to introduce the solar powered drip irrigation system under the sustainable agricultural water management project to the Jaffna farmer on par with the IDP resettlement scheme.

The solar powered water supply methodology is being implemented under a easy termed loan scheme extended to Sri Lanka by the Australian Government.

The main objectives to be fulfilled through this system are hundred percent water frugality and non-seasonal vegetable and other field crops cultivation sans any expenditure on fuel or the electricity which is a boon to the small scale farmlands.

One set of the water supply machinery comprising a water pump (motor) solar power panel, and a drip irrigational pipes network is valued at Rs 345,500. Interested farmers are expected to pay Rs 10,000 at the start and after six months concessional period to pay Rs 400 per month in instalments. The solar power activates the water pump.

Regional Manager of the Foresight Company Padmawarna Kumarage which has been entrusted by the Agriculture Ministry with the training technological aspect and the distribution of the machines said under the first phase 5,000 systems have been installed in Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Dambulla, Bibile, Sooriyawewa, Maho. Under the phase two 3,500 systems will be offered mainly to farmers in the Kilinochchi, Batticaloa, Mannar and Mulaitivu areas. He disclosed that the farmer families being resettled are very keen in getting the solar powered drip irrigational systems for their livelihood empowerment.

"The Agriculture Minister has called for a progress and a feasibility report before expanding the program in the North and the East.

Ministry's Director in charge of the project Sunethra Wijesundara and a team of officials will tour the Vavuniya, Nedunkerny and Oddusudan areas on October 27 for this purpose, he said.