48 Farmers in Trincomalee Receive Solar-Powered Smart Irrigation Facilities
Under the SMART Irrigation System Project implemented by the Trincomalee District Office of the Department of Agrarian Development, solar-powered water pumps and related irrigation facilities have been provided for cultivation activities of farmers. According to the relevant list of beneficiaries, 48 farmers belonging to the Kuchchaveli, Nilaveli, Muthur, Wan Ela, Kinniya, Sampur, and Padavi Sripura Agrarian Service Centers have received benefits under this program.
Prior to the implementation of this project, many farmers had to use diesel, kerosene or electricity-powered water pumps to obtain the water required for cultivation. According to beneficiary reports, fuel and electricity costs, maintenance problems and the inability to obtain sufficient water had limited the extent of land that could be cultivated and the income of farmers.
After receiving the solar-powered water pumps, farmers have been able to supply water to their cultivated lands more easily and on a regular schedule. This has provided an opportunity to reduce fuel and electricity costs, control production cost, bring previously uncultivated land into cultivation and carry out farming activities in a more planned manner. According to beneficiary reports from the Nilaveli area, after receiving the solar power systems, water supply has become easier and agricultural production costs have decreased.
According to information of farmers in the Kinniya area, the use of solar-powered water pumps has made it possible to cultivate groundnuts, manioc, brinjals and other crops without incurring fuel and electricity costs. Reports from the Wan Ela and Sampur areas likewise indicate that this facility has proven useful for expanding cultivated land, growing a variety of crops and sustaining farming activities.
To obtain further information regarding this program or to inquire about the relevant services, farmers in the area can contact the Agrarian Services Center in their respective area or the Trincomalee District Office of the Department of Agrarian Development.
