Water Reservoir Renaissance: Sri Lanka’s CSIAP Revives 487 Tanks, Boosts Capacity by 10,000 Acre-Feet

To create more with less, it will be necessary to make better use of finite resources like energy, land, and water. Smart irrigation appears to provide solutions for these issues of the twenty-first century. Sri Lanka, under the visionary leadership of Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, is witnessing a transformative initiative in its agricultural landscape. The Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP) has embarked on a mission to renovate 476small-scale tanks across the island that had long been neglected. As they mentioned, this endeavor aims to boost the livelihoods of those dependent on these tanks and fortify the country’s water reservoir capacity. Beyond the positive narrative, it’s crucial to examine potential pitfalls and ensure a well-rounded understanding of the implications.

In this article, we will look at into the detailed analysis of the Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP).  

What is CSIAP?

   The Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project (CSIAP), which began in 2019 to improve productivity and build climate resilience of smallholder agriculture in Sri Lanka, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industry, has taken decisive steps to revitalize 476small-scale tanks spread across multiple districts. These tanks, having endured years without renovation, are now at the forefront of a significant agricultural transformation by combating the climate change impact.

Improving smallholder agriculture’s productivity and climate resilience in certain hotspot locations is the main objective of the Climate Smart Irrigated Agriculture Project in Sri Lanka. There are four components of the project, Using Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) techniques and better on-farm water management, the Agriculture Production and Marketing component, The Water for Agriculture component to make it easier for communities to support climate-resilient irrigated agriculture, The Project Management component to guarantee the overall quality of project management and finally, the component for emergency response.

The project nature

In 11 dry-zone districts of Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Hambantota, Kilinochchi, Kurunegala, Moneragala, Mullaitivu, Puttalam, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Ampara covering 6 provinces of Northern, Eastern, North Western, North Central, Southern, and Uva provinces, the 11 selected CSIAP Hot Spot Areas (districts) cover 18 sub-watersheds of 9 river basins of Yan Oya, Mandekal Aru, Kala Oya, Menik Ganga, Per Aru, Meeoya, Modaragam aru, Mundeni Aru, Kirindi Oya, Yan Oya and Karanda Oya. These 11 Hot Spot Areas are located in 47 Agrarian Service Centers and 17 DS Divisions. With 71 cascades, 176 tanks (of which 242 or 31% have been abandoned), and around 19254 farm families (or approximately 96,270 beneficiaries assuming five people per household), the 11 Hot Spot Areas collectively occupy an area of 3067 square kilometers.

CSIAP’s Agricultural Revolution

It was impactful? Valuating the project components has resulted in vast development. According to the World Bank reports, in 2020, the project contributed to the creation of nearly 66,000 home gardens that were both cost-effective and climate-smart, focusing on nutrition and cost-effectiveness. Applications of CSA technology and techniques, as well as gains in farm production, income levels, and land and water Productivity, were reported by more than one-third of project beneficiaries.

The project was able to promote Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) practices in 42,000 ha. Moreover, it assisted 66,000 households with Climate Smart Home Gardens and produced 2,896 Mt of vegetables and 480,000 eggs. In project areas, also cultivated 641ha of Onion, Green Chili, and vegetables under micro irrigation (2,725 farmers/ 2,505 Mt production) and 1,627 ha of Other Field Crops and seed Paddy (5,331 farmers/ 3,691 Mt production). With the rehabilitation of abundant tanks in the village cascade system, the farmers in the project areas now can cultivate in inter-seasons (the seasons between Maha and Yala seasons). Mainly the short-aged crop varieties could be cultivated in these seasons. This is required to build resilience to climate change in climatically vulnerable areas in the country. So, the project was able to cultivate 4,261 ha of Other Field Crops (OFCs) under Inter-Season cultivation (10,984 farmers/ 1,727 Mt production). The practicing of crop diversification is one of the key approaches which is promoted by the project and crop diversification was conducted in 4,210 ha with OFCs, Chili, Onion, and other selected crops (3,904 farmers/ 8,000 Mt production). The utilization of solar energy for irrigation is considered a major intervention that can be done as one of the key strategies to combat climate change. Hence, the project distributed 165 solar pumps carried out cultivation in 330 ha, and produced 825 Mt of OFCs. Competent trainers with CSA practices have increased with the theoretical and practical training provided through the Farmer Training School at Thirappane from which 1105 lead farmers trained in 48 programs.

CSIAP’s Continued Commitment

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s directive to initiate the irrigation renovation program underscores the government’s commitment to improving the lives of those engaged in agriculture. The project will benefit all residents residing in the designated hotspot areas, with a primary focus on households headed by women, youth, and children. The focus on increasing water capacity aligns with the broader goal of sustainable livelihood development for communities connected to these tanks.

Looking ahead, the CSIAP Project has planned further investments, with an allocation of 8,000 million rupees in 2024 for the renovation of additional small-scale irrigation systems. According to the Ministry of Finance, the financial commitment to this irrigation reform is substantial, with Rs. 8,000 million allocated. The renovated tanks boast a remarkable achievement – a collective increase in water capacity by 10,000 acre-feet. This forward-looking approach ensures the sustainability and continued success of Sri Lanka’s agricultural revitalization.

However, The substantial investment of Rs. 8,000 million raises questions about transparency and accountability in fund utilization. So, a critical examination of the financial aspects of the project is essential to ensure that taxpayer money is used efficiently and that the benefits are equitably distributed during this economic crisis.

Climate Change Considerations

In addition, Sri Lanka, grappling with the escalating impacts of climate change, faces a diverse array of hazards ranging from floods and droughts to potential coastal inundations. In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the Climate-Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP), plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change effects, particularly in enhancing water and agricultural Productivity.

CSIAP has undertaken the ambitious task of renovating 476 small-scale tanks across various districts of Sri Lanka that had long been neglected. Notably, the enhanced water storage directly contributes to climate change mitigation by mitigating the impacts of both droughts and floods and also contributes to overall climate resilience.

Moreover, the project aligns with climate adaptation strategies, recognizing the importance of sustainable water management in the face of erratic weather patterns. It actively promotes climate-resilient agricultural practices. As Minister Mahinda Amaraweera’s statement the irrigation renovation aims not only to increase water capacity but also to boost the overall development of livelihood standards of communities dependent on these tanks. As well, the project also emphasizes the cultivation of drought tolerance crops like maize, cowpeas, ground nut, and green gram, aligning with sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural practices. By diversifying crops, farmers reduce vulnerability to climate-related risks, ensuring a more robust and adaptable agricultural sector.

Conclusion

The success of any agricultural project depends on the active involvement and empowerment of local communities. So, it is much required for renovation projects to adequately engage with and benefit the diverse groups of people connected to these small-scale tanks. The renovated tanks, with their increased water capacity, not only promise enhanced livelihoods for local communities but also fortify the nation’s resilience in the face of climate challenges.Also, while the project touts a remarkable increase in water capacity – 10,000 acre-feet across the renovated, it will be beneficial to analyze the actual impact on agricultural productivity, water use efficiency, and the sustainability of these gains over the long term. In my opinion, achieving a balance between commendation and critique is imperative for fostering resilient and impactful agricultural initiatives in Sri Lanka.

To gather essential clarifications and insights into the intricate aspects of the Climate Smart Irrigation Agriculture Project (CSIAP) in Sri Lanka, we reached out to Dr. Janaka Jayawardane, Environmental and Social Safeguard Specialist, Project Management Unit of CSIAP.

1) How effectively has the CSIAP integrated climate change considerations into its renovation plans for small-scale tanks? how resilient are the renovated water reservoirs to extreme weather events such as droughts or heavy rainfall?

We employed advanced Digital Elevation Models to develop HEC-HMS and Arc SWAT modals. These models were designed to convert rainfall data of past 40 year into runoff. These runoff calculations were take-in to account to find the head flows for individual small-scale tank. The water requirement within command areas were calculated by employing suitable crop factors and crop evapotranspiration for the different crops.   Our primary focus was to discern the water requirements within command areas, taking into account the specific precipitation patterns we designed a water distribution system then we assessed how much the quantity needed for farmers. During different seasons, water consumption is varied and there are different techniques to save and distribute the water. Here the most important thing is the cascade management system. Under the cascade management system, we strategically identified and selected all the tanks within a cascade, embarking on a comprehensive rehabilitation process for each. This holistic approach addresses water distribution intricacies and also plays a pivotal role in flood control.

To operationalize this system effectively, we established a Cascade Management Committee. This Committee serves as the linchpin for overseeing and managing all the tanks encompassed by the cascade system. The collaborative efforts within this Committee are instrumental in executing our main objective — the adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

2)How well does the project address the social dimensions of climate change adaptation, particularly for communities relying on these small-scale tanks?

Recognizing the crucial role of inclusivity and gender diversity, we have implemented a visionary concept to ensure that female participation exceeds 30% in every sub-project under our overarching initiatives.  One notable aspect of our commitment is evident in the composition of the Social Audit Committee. This committee, responsible for evaluating the rehabilitation process within subproject areas, is designed to be inclusive and representative. Comprising 5 to 7 farmers who actively engage in the project site assessment, the committee ensures a thorough examination of crucial factors such as soil condition, machinery usage, and other pertinent aspects. So, our beneficiaries are aware of what the project officers and contractors are doing. Notably, within the committee of 5 to 7 farmers, we have strengthened women’s participation, ensuring the presence of at least 3 women members. Even all the family members of a family are participating in the cultivation process especially when it comes to the using latest technical instruments. It motivates young farmers to join the process.

03)From a financial perspective, how efficiently has the project utilized the allocated funds, and are there mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability?

We work with line agencies (Department of Agrarian Development, Provincial Irrigation Department, etc). Farmers and affected parties by conducting participating programs to get their suggestions. Then we developed project proposals and asked for estimations from implementation agencies. Those are submitted to the World Bank for prior approval. Once we get the funds, we provide funds to the chief secretary of the province and then to the DPD office. Then funds are allocated to the responsible agencies of the person. The main process of transparency is Supervision of central and local government authorities.

04) In the renovation process, were there assessments conducted to understand the ecological impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity?

When we implement sub projects, safeguard officers visit the tanks with the relevel stakeholders and check what are the ecological dimensions that are affecting from the project interventions. then monitoring relevant safe guard activities to conserve affecting factors through a checklist. Then implement mitigation measures according to the ESMP align with the World Bank policies considering all the factors. As we are rehabilitating small-scale tanks, considerably there are no severe impacts on the biological or ecological factors as the activities are also minor on the small scale. Sometimes we have to remove trees in the tank bund to get the space to use machinery. To replace the damage, we are conducting a compensation tree plantation program through catchment area improvement program, around 12,000 trees we have planted during the last year of the program.

• With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige  –