First-Ever Harvest Feast Marks Milestone in Mechanised Paddy Transplanting in Kilinochchi

 The first-ever Harvest Feast celebrating mechanised paddy transplanting under the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP) implemented by Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, was ceremoniously held during a Field Day in Konavil, Kilinochchi. This landmark event signalled a transformative step in local agriculture, showcasing the successful adoption of modern agricultural machinery aimed at boosting productivity, reducing labour costs, and promoting climate-resilient farming in Northern Province, Sri Lanka.

The celebration, held under the patronage of Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, symbolised not only the joy of a bountiful harvest but also the province’s shift toward modern, efficient, and sustainable farming practices. Farmers who engaged in mechanised transplanting praised the technology for its efficiency, uniform crop stand, and time-saving benefits.

Showcasing Mechanisation to the World Bank
Beneficiary farmers from the Union Viluthukal Young Farmers Club in Konavil, Kilinochchi, showcased the capabilities of walk-behind paddy transplanters to a delegation of World Bank officials during the 14th Implementation Support Mission of the CSIAP in April 2025 (please click the link to the story)

The demonstration featured the transplantation of AT 362 Verity (Red Nadu) rice seedlings over 50 acres using the walk-behind transplanters provided by CSIAP. Of this, 10 acres belonging to farmer Ms. Sivayogaluxmy were harvested today (11^th) using a modern combine harvester, further highlighting the potential for mechanised rice production in the Northern Province.

Increased Productivity and Profitability
The data presented a compelling case for the adoption of mechanised transplanting. Under traditional manual methods, farmers typically yield 1,650 kg of paddy per acre, generating Rs. 158,400 per acre at a selling price of Rs. 96 per kg. Across 10 acres, this translates to Rs. 1,584,000.

In contrast, the mechanised method using the walk-behind transplanters has increased yields to 2,200 kg per acre, earning Rs. 211,200 per acre, totalling Rs. 2,112,000 from the same 10-acre extent—an additional income of Rs. 528,000 compared to conventional methods, proving the economic value of adopting modern technology.

Leadership, Culture, and Community Engagement
The machines used during the process were provided by CSIAP, and the transplanting nurseries were established under the expert guidance of Mr. S. Diriyan, a former Agriculture Instructor in Akkarayakulam. On behalf of the CSIAP,  Ms. R. Kayalini, Agriculture Facilitator for the Akarayan Agrarian Service Center Division, made an enormous contribution in promoting mechanized paddy transplanting in Konavil, Kilinochchi. Her dedicated efforts in encouraging farmers, coordinating field activities, and providing essential information played a vital role in the successful implementation of this initiative.

This event was held with cultural and ceremonial respect, beginning with a traditional Hindu welcome performed by Land lady and farmer Ms. Sivayogaluxmy and Samurdhi Development Officer Ms. T. Yasi. They warmly received Mr. Saman Bandulasena, Project Director of the CSIAP, Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP for  Northern Province, Mr. T. Yogeshwaran, Additional Provincial Director of Agriculture for  Northern Province, Ms. S. Vijayathasan, Deputy Director of Agriculture in Kilinochchi and other invitees. 

To commemorate this milestone event, the guests were invited to take part in a symbolic hand-harvesting ceremony, reflecting the age-old traditions of paddy farming and paying homage to the hard work of generations of farmers. This meaningful gesture was followed by a live demonstration of modern mechanised harvesting, where advanced agricultural machinery efficiently reaped the paddy fields—highlighting the project's successful integration of tradition with innovation.

The maiden paddy harvested using the combine harvester
As a symbolic gesture celebrating a key milestone in the advancement of sustainable agriculture, the Project Director of the CSIAP, Mr. Saman Bandulasena, along with Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director for the Northern Province, jointly collected the maiden harvest of paddy directly from the combine harvester. This ceremonial act took place during a field day organised to showcase the outcomes of mechanised paddy cultivation introduced under the CSIAP in Konavil, Kilinochchi. The use of modern harvesting machinery marks a transformative shift in traditional farming practices, significantly reducing manual labour, lowering costs, and increasing efficiency. This historic moment not only signified the dawn of a new era in climate-smart and technology-driven agriculture in the Northern Province but also reflected the project's steadfast commitment to improving agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and building resilience among farming communities in the face of climate change.

Official Remarks and Project Impact
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Saman Bandulasena highlighted CSIAP’s extensive investments in the North: “CSIAP has invested Rs. 5,000 million in the Northern Province. We have rehabilitated tanks, introduced modern agricultural inputs, and implemented new techniques. Through these initiatives, we aim to improve the living standards of farmers and strengthen Sri Lanka’s agricultural economy.” 

The event saw the participation of agricultural extension officers, local farmer communities, and technical staff from both the Project Management Unit and the Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture. The gathering served as a valuable platform for experience sharing, technical exchange, and planning the future of mechanised agriculture in the project area.

The Field Day, organised and facilitated by Mr. George Babu, Deputy Project Director of the CSIAP in the Northern Province, together with his provincial staff, underscored CSIAP’s commitment to pioneering climate-smart solutions that benefit rural livelihoods and ensure food security across Sri Lanka. Representatives from the Project Management Unit, CSIAP and technical experts from across the district were also in attendance.

A Model for the Future
This first mechanised harvest in Konavil serves as a powerful example of how modern technology, community participation, and institutional backing can drive sustainable agricultural transformation in rural Sri Lanka. The field day also served as a platform for knowledge sharing, where farmers, agricultural extension officers, and stakeholders exchanged experiences and discussed the future expansion of mechanised agriculture in the province.