FAO livelihood development in the North
View(s):Agricultural-based livelihoods for vulnerable farming households were developed with irrigation infrastructure rehabilitation, improved water resource utilisation and crop diversification under the recently completed project on ‘Integrated Irrigation & Agricultural Livelihood Development in Killinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts’. The project was implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) with financial 
assistance from the European Union (EU).
This three-year project was implemented jointly with the Provincial Departments of Irrigation and Agriculture of the Northern Province (NP), the Department of Agrarian Development (DoAD) and the District Secretariats.
The project rehabilitated minor tanks and abandoned lands, revitalised community-based Farmer Organisations (FOs), increased agricultural production of vulnerable farmers through supply of quality seeds of improved varieties and provision of technical training for farmers and agricultural extension staff on water management and improved farming techniques.
Thevipuram tank is one of the tanks which was rehabilitated by this project. “As a result we now have fresh water from our wells even in the seasons of drought. We make use of this water for our paddy cultivation, for cattle bathing and drinking. The spill water has been diverted into a pond in the jungle to cultivate banana and groundnut,” said President of the Thevipuram farmers’ organisation Kandaiya Krishnapillai.
“Well-functioning tanks and rehabilitated lands are not only critical for agricultural activities, but lie at the heart of the livelihoods for these families, especially female-headed households, who have returned to their native places,” said FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Beth Crawford.