Empowering Families Through Agriculture: A success story of the Scotch Bonnet Farmer Family in Akkarayan

Empowering Families Through Agriculture: A success story of the Scotch Bonnet Farmer Family in Akkarayan

In the rural heartland of Kilinochchi District, where farming is the backbone of family survival, stories of hardship are common.

But amidst these, some stories shine brightly as proof that resilience and opportunity can create lasting change. One such story is that of Ms. S. Pushpaleela, a 47-year-old farmer from Skanthapuram in Akkarayan, Northern Province.

For years, Pushpaleela and her husband, Mr. S. Sivasiri (age 47) , who is also a farmer, struggled to make a living from their small piece of land. Farming had always been their way of life, but without reliable access to water, they were trapped in a cycle of low yields and financial difficulty. “There were days we thought of giving up farming altogether,” recalls Pushpaleela. “We worked hard, but without water, what can a farmer really do?”

A Turning Point with CSIAP

Their situation changed when they were introduced to the Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP) implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and financed by the World Bank. Through an awareness programme conducted by the Deputy Project Director’s Office in the Northern Province, the couple learned that new opportunities were available for farmers like them. With the direction of Deputy Project Director Mr. George Babu and under the technical guidance of Agriculture Specialist Mr. K. Vasanthan, the local Agriculture Facilitator, Ms. R. Kayalini, approached the family. Recognizing their determination, the CSIAP decided to provide them with a sprinkler irrigation system that could cover their entire half-acre plot. This intervention proved transformative. With a reliable water supply and improved irrigation, Pushpaleea was able to begin cultivating Scotch Bonnet chilies, a high-value crop with growing demand in the Sri Lankan market.

From Modest Harvest to Market Contracts

Her first harvest in June this year was modest, but with time and practice, yields steadily improved. Now, just a few months later, she expects to reap around 500 kilograms of Scotch Bonnet, a crop that currently fetches around Rs. 800 per kilogram in the local market. The family’s fortunes took an even more positive turn when Pushpaleela secured a supply contract with Keells, one of the country’s leading supermarket chains. This partnership ensures not only a stable market for her produce but also a fair price, giving her confidence to expand her efforts further. “Supplying to a supermarket like Keells is something I never thought possible,” she says proudly. “Now, when I see my chilies on their shelves, I feel recognized as a true farmer.”

A Family Effort

Pushpaleela is also a mother of five. Her two youngest daughters;   Shivadharsha (20), and   Thamilnila (18) are actively involved in farming, helping with planting, harvesting, and marketing. What was once a backbreaking struggle to survive has now become a family enterprise, bringing not only income but also dignity and pride.

Her husband, who once worried about whether farming could sustain their family, now works alongside her with renewed energy. “We finally see the fruits of our hard work,” says Puspaleela. “With this support given by the CSIAP, we can give our children the opportunities we never had.”

More Than Farming – A Better Life

Today, the family’s income is strong enough to cover their household needs, invest in their children’s necessities, and plan for the future. Farming, once a burden, has now become the foundation for a comfortable and secure lifestyle.

Beyond financial gains, Pushpaleela also highlights the confidence and respect she has earned in her community. Other farmers now visit her field to learn about Scotch Bonnet cultivation and modern irrigation practices. She has become an informal role model for women farmers in the region, showing what is possible when determination is paired with the right support.

Gratitude and Hope

Pushpaleela’s journey reflects the larger vision of the CSIAP — to empower rural communities through climate-smart practices, ensuring resilience and prosperity for farming families. With a smile of gratitude, she says, “Because of the CSIAP, our family is living a life we only dreamed of before. We are not just surviving anymore; we are building a future for our children.” Her success story stands as an inspiring example of how targeted development initiatives can uplift rural livelihoods, transforming not only fields but entire families and communities.

Story and photographs by Samantha Mallawaarachchi,  IEC & ICT Specialist, PMU, CSIAP