An event to distribute agricultural inputs under the Provincial Specific Development Grant (PSDG) was held on Friday, 18th July 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the community hall in Keerisuttaan village, which has been selected as a model village under the Mannar District’s Madhu Divisional Secretariat Division. The event was conducted under the chairmanship of the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mrs. Priyatharsini Ramanendran, with the aim of improving the livelihoods of the farmers in the village.
Distinguished guests, including the following, attended the event, Mrs.S.Senthilkumaran Provincial Director of Agriculture, Northern Province, Mr. K. Bede Nijaharan, Divisional Secretary of Madhu, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Subject Mater Officers, Agricultural Instructors, the village Grama Niladhari, Samurdhi officer, Economic Development officer and farmers.
In her opening address, the Deputy Director of Agriculture explained the types of agricultural inputs provided to the selected model village and their potential benefits. She highlighted the importance of continuing agricultural activities and advised the farmers to remain committed to cultivation.
The Madu Divisional Secretary, who also attended the event, pointed the importance of collaborative efforts in implementing the project successfully in the selected model village of Keerisuddan. He also mentioned that his divisional officers would monitor the progress of the initiative and submit regular updates to him.
The Northern Province Director of Agriculture, in her special address, highlighted that such exemplary projects should contribute to the overall development of the village and help it develop as a model village for the region. She encouraged the promotion of Fruit crop cultivation under Good Agricultural Practices to ensure long-term success. Following this, she interacted directly with the farmers, listening to their challenges and requirements related to agricultural activities.
Subject matter officers then conducted a technical session on topics such as the maintenance of fruit tree plants, application of fertilizers, and pruning methods.
As part of the input distribution initiative, various agricultural inputs were provided to selected beneficiaries to support and enhance their livelihoods. A total of 9 beneficiaries were selected for papaya cultivation, each receiving 96 papaya seedlings. Also, 9 beneficiaries were identified for mango cultivation, with each receiving 20 mango Seedlings. In support of home gardening, 45 beneficiaries were provided with one seedling each from a selection of species including Grafted Mango, Grafted jackfruit, Ukurasa and sweet orange. Furthermore, two beneficiaries received pumpkin seeds for cultivation on ¼ acre each, while two others received MICH HY 1 variety chilli seeds for cultivation on ¼ acre plots. Groundnut seeds were distributed among 17 beneficiaries, covering a total of 8½ acres at a rate of ½ acre per beneficiary. Additionally, to address crop loss due to wild animal disturbance, two beneficiaries were provided with air guns under a 50% farmer contribution.
The event was well organized by the agricultural instructor in the area, Mr. S. Rajasingam, and concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Assistant Director of Agriculture.
