Summary
We are requesting donor support to assist two smallholder organic farmers in Chulipuram. These farmers are committed to sustainable and organic agriculture, but lack the resources to access consistent water supply. With your support, we aim to empower them to improve their crop yield, ensure food security for their families and strengthen their children’s access to education.
Farmer Profiles and Background
Farmer 1: Mrs. Thanabalasingam Jeyavathana
- Age: 48
- Family: A widowed mother raising three children.
One child had to drop out of school due to financial
constraints and elderly parents. - Group Name: – Poosani
She is the sole breadwinner for her family, raising three children while also caring for her aging parents. The weight of this responsibility is immense. Due to financial hardship, one of her children had to drop out of school, a painful sacrifice for a mother whose greatest wish is to see her children succeed. Her daily life is a constant balancing act. Early in the morning, while preparing meals for her family, her mind is already on her farm.
She walks more than 1.5 kilometres back and forth between her home and fields, several times a day, because she cannot afford even a bicycle. Often, she cooks in a hurry just to make time to reach the farm, where every moment counts. Despite her hard work, her farming efforts are severely limited by the lack of a proper irrigation system. Without a reliable water source, she is only able to cultivate a small portion of her land, leading to reduced yields and unstable income.
During the harvesting season, her struggles grow heavier—she must hire a vehicle to transport her produce to the market, which costs her more than she can sometimes afford, eating into her already modest profits. What she urgently needs is a 1.5 HP electric motor pump ($200) and proper piping to irrigate her full acre of land.
With this support, her yields could increase by 40–50%, significantly boosting her income, improving food security, and allowing her to invest in her children’s education once again. This is more than just a request for tools—it is a mother’s plea for a fair chance to provide a dignified life for her family.
Supporting her means easing the burden she carries alone and giving hope to a household that has known only hardship for far too long
Farmer 2: Mrs. Mohanathaskaanthan Saanthikathevi
- Age: 50
- Family: A widowed mother raising Five children.
- Group Name: Thakkali
She grows Onion, green chillies, and potatoes on 17 larchcham of land, using only organic compost and bio-pesticides, a reflection of her commitment to healthy, sustainable farming. Despite her hard work and dedication, she faces heartbreaking challenges every season. With no irrigation system, she relies
solely on rainwater and manual labour to keep her crops alive. But when the rains fail or arrive too late, so do her hopes crops wither, income disappears, and the pressure on her shoulders grows heavier.
Each day, she walks over 1 kilometre to tend to her fields, often skipping meals or rushing through household chores just to keep up with the demands of both farming and family. The emotional toll is high, especially knowing her child had to drop out of school because of financial struggles.
A small motor pump and hose system could change everything. It would mean reliable water, healthier crops, a more stable income, and most importantly, a chance to give her child the education they deserve.
For Mrs. Jeyavathana, this is not just about farming, it is about survival, dignity, and the dream of a better future that she refuses to give up on.
Expected Impact
- Improved water access for 20 larchcham (1/4 acre) of farmland.
- 30–50% increase in organic crop yield.
- Improved family income by Rs. 20,000- Rs.35,000 per month.
- 2 children likely to be re-enrolled or retained in school
- Long-term sustainability through training in maintenance and organic farming
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Our team will oversee the implementation, ensure the equipment is properly installed, and conduct follow-up visits every quarter. Beneficiaries will provide testimonials, photos, and crop reports as needed for transparency and donor reporting.
Conclusion and Request
These two farmers have demonstrated dedication and resilience despite difficult circumstances. With basic irrigation support, they can transform their lives and contribute to a more sustainable farming community. We humbly request your support in funding this initiative and joining us in making a
meaningful difference.
We thank you for considering our request.
These women are part of a group of 30 women who have been given microfinance. The chart below is the list of items they have asked for to help them develop their farms.
Note: 1000 LKR is equivalent to $5.