Training on Planning of Family Agriculture Environment Production System & Water Management
Divulgane Community Hall, Ehetuwewa DS Division — 6 August 2025
Organized by the Lanka Rain Water Harvesting Forum under the IRHA Project, the one-day field training entitled “Planning of Family Agriculture Environment Production System and Water Management” took place on 6 August 2025. Dr. Kamal Melvani led the session with support from LRWHF facilitators, delivering insightful presentations complemented by interactive group work and practical demonstrations. The training program was attended by 30 community members, including 22 local farmers (13 male; 9 female) from Divulgane GN Division, and 8 officers from the DS Secretariat, LRWHF, and collaborating institutions,
Training Highlights
- Integrated Farming Systems: Emphasized synergistic incorporation of crops, home gardens, and livestock; soil enrichment with organic matter; and crop diversification for resilience and enhanced income.
- Water Management Insights: Covered techniques in rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, efficient water planning, and safeguarding water sources.
- Climate-Smart Agriculture: Showcased mulching, agroforestry (planting Kumbuk, Kanada, etc. to mitigate well salinity), drought-tolerant crops, integrated pest control, and well recharge methods.
- Hands-On Farm Planning: Participants worked in four groups to create existing-farm maps and improved farm designs, addressing challenges such as wildlife crop damage and limited rainfall.
Outcomes Achieved
- Farmers acquired hands-on understanding of sustainable family-based farming and efficient water usage.
- The group agreed to launch pilot model farms in Divulgane, spearheaded by Mr. H. M. Thilina Sandaruwan, to showcase integrated systems.
- Enhanced collaboration between farmers and field officers was established for ongoing technical support.
Participant Feedback
Farmers praised the practical and visual nature of the training. Across the board, attendees requested follow-up sessions, specifically targeting low-cost irrigation methods and farm planning strategies designed to dry-zone conditions areas.
Looking Forward
This training marks a significant step toward building resilient livelihoods through sustainable agriculture and water stewardship in Kurunegala’s dry zone. LRWHF, alongside local officers and farmers, is poised to expand this model with continuing workshops, pilot farm rollouts, and strengthened village-level support networks.
Field officers and farmers assessing local land conditions to understand soil, water availability, and challenges affecting agricultural planning in the dry zone.
Officers from the Divisional Secretariat and community members working closely with farmers to plan integrated agricultural solutions and strengthen local collaboration.
Farmers presenting their farm mapping exercises, applying techniques learned during the training to design sustainable and integrated farming systems.