February 06, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has reached out to the World Bank to obtain a concessional loan of US$ 100 million aiming climate-smart agriculture initiatives aimed at promoting integrated rural-urban development and enhancing climate resilience.
This project, backed by technical support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), is set to make significant strides in improving the country’s agricultural sector, contributing to both local and global sustainability efforts.
The “Integrated Village Development and Climate Resilience Project” is designed to address multiple challenges within Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape.
The initiative focuses on improving productivity across various agricultural sectors, including food crops, plantation crops, livestock, and fisheries.
This is considered as part of the government’s strategy to promote sustainable agricultural practices and increase resilience to climate change.
A key feature of the project will be the implementation of climate-smart agriculture techniques. These practices are designed to minimise the environmental impact of farming while maximising productivity.
The project will also focus on the diversification of crops and farming systems to reduce dependence on single crops and improve food security.
In addition to agricultural enhancements, the project will address crucial water resource management issues. Effective water usage and management strategies will be implemented to ensure a sustainable water supply for irrigation, livestock, and other agricultural activities.
The project will also provide extensive capacity building and training, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to adopt new, more efficient farming techniques.
The initiative will also involve the development of essential infrastructure, including irrigation systems, rural roads, and market facilities, which will contribute to improved access for farmers and increase their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, the project will work towards improving the economic sustainability of the agricultural sector by ensuring that it remains competitive and resilient in the face of global market shifts and climate-related challenges.
