The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, along with six Provincial Councils, is expected to implement a new climate smart irrigated agriculture project costing a total of US$ 140 million.

This includes a 125 million dollar credit from the IDA (World Bank) with a US$ 10 million contribution from the Government of Sri Lanka and a five million dollar contribution from the project beneficiaries.

World Bank County Director for Sri Lanka and Maldives Dr. Idah Z. Pswarayi-Riddihough said: “Innovation – including the introduction of improved crop varieties, cropping patterns and water resources management amongst others – can help farmers adapt to a changing climate, and improve their incomes and livelihoods.”

The project is expected to improve productivity for more than 470,000 small farmers in six provinces in the dry zone and encourage private sector commercialisation of smallholder farming.