Cultivating Hope in Their Golden Years: The Story of Mr. Sebestian Peter Thiyagaraja and Ms. P. Rani of Maniyankulam, Kilinochchi

Cultivating Hope in Their Golden Years: The Story of Mr. Sebestian Peter Thiyagaraja and Ms. P. Rani of Maniyankulam, Kilinochchi

A Life Rooted in the Soil

For Mr. Sebestian Peter Thiyagaraja (76) and his wife, Ms. P. Rani (68), farming has been more than an occupation—it has been their lifeline for decades. In their small village of Maniyankulam in Akkarayan, Kilinochchi District, the couple has worked tirelessly on their modest half-acre of land, relying on the soil to feed their family and sustain their livelihood. Yet, farming in this part of the Northern Province has never been easy. Years of water scarcity, unpredictable weather, and lack of resources made agriculture a daunting challenge. “We wanted to cultivate more, but the struggle for water was endless,” remembers Ms. Rani.

A Turning Point with CSIAP

Hope arrived through the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and financed by the World Bank. Understanding the challenges faced by farmers like Mr. Thiyagaraja and Ms. Rani, the CSIAP stepped in with a sprinkler irrigation system—a sustainable solution that optimizes limited water resources. Alongside this, the couple received Green Gram (Mung Bean) seeds, well-suited to their land and climate. For the first time in years, the couple could cultivate without worrying about water shortages.

Harvesting Success

The transformation was remarkable. With better irrigation and quality seeds, their yields improved significantly. Today, they earn nearly Rs. 100,000 per season—a level of income they had never experienced before. More importantly, farming has once again become a source of dignity and pride. The couple is already planning to expand their cultivation further with continued the CSIAP support. “We never thought at this age we could achieve this much,” says Mr. Thiyagaraja with a smile.

Strength Beyond Age

What makes their story extraordinary is not only the income, but their perseverance. Even in their 60s and 70s, the husband and wife work side by side in the fields, refusing to depend on anyone else. “Without burdening anyone, even at this age, we continue to cultivate and stand on our own feet.” – Ms. P. Rani. The earnings from their farm not only sustain the couple but also help support their unmarried daughter, ensuring she too can live with dignity and security.

More Than Farming – A Legacy of Resilience

This story reflects more than agricultural success; it reflects resilience, family values, and the power of the right intervention at the right time. By adopting climate-smart practices, the couple is securing their livelihood while inspiring other farmers in their community.

Gratitude and Hope

Mr. Thiyagaraja and Ms. Rani express deep gratitude to the CSIAP for transforming their farming journey. Their fields now symbolize more than crops—they symbolize hope, independence, and strength in the golden years of life.

“This is not just farming,” says Mr. Thiyagaraja softly. “This is our future.”