A farmer for all seasons

Abeyratne Bandara, 50, lives in Tissapura – a remote area in Rideemaliyadda. Farming and cultivation has always been an interest for Abeyratne, although he did not have any knowledge about how to engage in it systematically.

“We had about a quarter acre of land and I used to grow some vegetables here and there. As cultivation was based on rainy seasons, I had to spend almost eight hours a day to water the plants during dry seasons,” Abeyratne says.

When World Vision introduced the permaculture programme to enhance farming methods and cultivation skills, Abeyratne was encouraged.

“The training we received was very useful. We cleared our land and laid vegetable plots constructing small bunts to retain water for the crops. I also learnt methods of making natural insecticides and organic farming methods for chemical free vegetables,” Abeyratne explains.

World Vision provided the farmers with seeds/seedlings of vegetables that are suitable to be grown in the area such as capsicum, beans, bitter gourde, carrot and cabbage as well as the garden tools. Abeyratne also participated in a livestock rearing training in Galle and World Vision provided him with a milking cow through the permaculture project.

Abeyratne’s hard work paid off when he received the first prize for the best home garden in Tissapura and was awarded a water pump. The home garden is now a model garden to many children in neighbouring schools

When World Vision discussed the possibility of piloting a bio gas project Abeyratne was willing to try it. At this initial stage biogas is only used in the kitchen for cooking. Yet, plans are in progress to extend this project and use the energy for lighting as well.

Once a struggling farmer who cultivated for just six months a year, Abeyratne is now cultivating the whole year round. The produce of the garden is also shared with neighbouring families.

“According to my experience, World Vision is an organization close to the people. They don’t just provide us the equipment but also improve our skills and knowledge which cannot be taken away. The children who visit my garden have shared what they see with their parents and they come to me to learn more about it – especially about the bio gas system,” Abeyratne says with pride.