Humble beginnings

Born in 1967 in the picturesque village of Madahapola, nestled close to Melsiripura, Ajith's early years were framed by the rustic charm and hard realities of rural life. As one of four children, with an older sister and two younger sisters, he learned the values of family and resilience from a young age.  

In 1971, Ajith's father claimed land to produce Kithul treacle and tobacco, but conflicts with elephants led to abandonment. By 1987, turmoil from the insurgency forced Ajith to seek refuge in Irudeniyaya's untamed beauty, facing forested, mosquito-infested challenges without legal ownership.

New life in the wilderness

Irudeniyaya became Ajith's sanctuary and a canvas for his dreams, though claimed by the Wildlife Department. His fortunes changed with the arrival of a team from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura studying mosquitoes. His support and dedication to the team earned him an opportunity that offered financial stability and a sense of belonging. For 9 years, he immersed himself in this work, honing skills and broadening his horizons.

After this academic chapter and his marriage, Ajith returned to Irudeniyaya with his wife. Embracing his farming roots despite pressure to take a state job, he invested in a water sprinkler machine with support from his in-laws, marking the beginning of his agricultural journey.

Ajith started with one acre, later expanding to two and a half acres over 25 years. "I cultivated coconut, guava, and various fruits and vegetables without chemicals. The more successful crops, like beets and green chillies, were also sold locally in the Melsiripura markets," Ajith shared on his roots of success. Regular visits from Mudalalis (shop owners) ensured prompt payment for produce, supporting his sustainable farming practices and steady income.

A transformative turn

In 2017, Ajith's dedication to organic farming caught the attention of the Agricultural Instructor, who connected him with the ‘Climate Resilient Integrated Water Management Project (CRIWMP)’, supported by the Government of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka through the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This partnership transformed Ajith's farming practices, enabling him to diversify from beets and chillies to include tomatoes and brinjals. The high quality of his chemical-free produce impressed evaluators, establishing Ajith as a prominent organic farmer known for flavourful crops in the region.

Under the guidance of UNDP and the Agricultural Instructor, Ajith formed a group of ten farmers, fostering shared costs and collective bargaining. The project supported the transportation needs of the Isuru Farmers Market, with them soon having access to a mini lorry, trishaw, and motorbike. Funds later bolstered a society fund, enhancing communal benefits and growth among members.

Ajith quickly recognized new opportunities, cultivating relationships with customers who preferred ordering over the phone. "Each Saturday, I loaded my lorry with fresh produce, selling at the weekly market while any surplus went to Melsiripura," he explained noting that this method proved to be very lucrative, earning his Rs. 35,000 in weekly sales.

His thriving stall not only boosted income but also enhanced community ties, cementing Ajith's reputation as a dependable and respected local farmer committed to delivering quality produce.

CRIWMP's interventions were invaluable, providing technical advice, market support, and resources to enhance organic farming practices. Workshops and expert consultations from places as far as India equipped Ajith and his group with the knowledge to use water efficiently and diversify their crops.

Given the water scarcity, Ajith and his fellow farmers received guidance on efficient usage. With this knowledge, Ajith expanded his produce, growing around 15 types of vegetables and fruits like radish, knol khol (wild cabbage), ladies’ fingers, tomatoes, pomegranates, and papayas. He supplied 15-25 kg weekly. However, despite selling to the Dambulla market, without proper distinction between organic and non-organic produce, Ajith was unable to receive higher prices for his chemical-free crops.

Leading the way

As the group leader, Ajith ensured their produce reached the Saturday Market, starting his journey at 2 a.m. for the one-and-a-half-hour drive to Kurunegala. Encountering wild animals along the isolated roads was common, yet he persisted in his role, navigating challenges to support his fellow farmers and sustain their livelihoods.

"Every Saturday, I arrive at the market by 4:30 a.m. to prepare for the 5 a.m. opening by conducting a product inspection and setting up my stall," Ajith shared. "Despite the challenges, I am glad that it has paid off, and after covering costs like fuel and sundries, I manage to earn a Rs. 10,000 profit each week." This ritual sustains his livelihood and strengthens community bonds among his fellow farmers, fostering a shared purpose and sense of community.

The COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions posed significant challenges, but Ajith's resilience shone through. He adapted quickly, obtaining permits to deliver produce directly to homes and offices, often travelling long distances to ensure his customers received fresh vegetables.  

Growth and guidance

In 2023, in the aftermath of the pandemic and growing economic crisis, UNDP’s support continued through its Funding Windows, supported by the Government of Luxembourg, revitalizing the Farmers Market with permanent structures, baskets, and racks. Ajith benefited from technical advice from the Provincial Agriculture Department, allowing him to cultivate high-demand crops such as cabbage, carrots, lemon, and a new guava variety. His pioneering efforts included growing upcountry vegetables like carrots locally for the first time, significantly increasing his Saturday market profits from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 15,000.

Reflecting on the support given, Ajith said, "I used the Society's project-funded revolving fund to secure a Rs. 98,000 interest-free loan for seedlings, which is crucial for my farming. This support has been invaluable in managing costs and expanding my crop variety. I repay Rs. 1,000 weekly, immediately after Saturday's market, to make sure that I stay on top of my finances while continuing to grow." This financial support not only expanded Ajith's agricultural pursuits but also ensured a stable repayment process, showing his commitment to sustainable farming and financial responsibility.

A shared vision of family farming

Despite monthly electricity bills of nearly Rs. 35,000 for running water sprinklers, Ajith remains hopeful for the future. He plans to invest in solar panels to reduce costs and enhance sustainability on his expanded 5.5-acre farm. His elder son has built a house on a separate 3.5-acre plot, while Ajith, his younger son, and daughter-in-law all contribute to the family's farming efforts, ensuring productivity and prosperity for generations to come.

Ajith and his sons travel weekly to the Isuru Market, sharing profits from sales. During the Maha season, he tends to his paddy fields for rice. In the Yala season, Ajith focuses on growing fruits and vegetables, ensuring year-round sustainability. His coconut trees yield 900-1000 nuts bi-monthly, supplementing income when sold locally. Ajith's dedication to diverse agriculture secures livelihood and prosperity for his family in Irudeniyaya's lush surroundings.

A legacy of labour

"I took a loan of Rs. 500,000 from the Regional Development Bank to build a second house and sold the first one, but I still have Rs. 110,000 left to repay. As I work towards clearing this debt, I plan to build two rooms in the shack by the cultivation plot for my wife and me, and give the new house to my younger son," Ajith explained, his vision for the future clear and resolute.

After three decades of farming, Ajith acknowledges he hasn't saved much. Approaching 60, he plans to reduce farming efforts, sustaining himself with income from coconut and produce sales. This transition promises a more relaxed lifestyle while keeping him rooted in the land that's shaped his livelihood.

Ajith's life story reflects relentless dedication, from early challenges to organic farming success. His journey, marked by resilience and a deep connection to the land, inspires rural Sri Lanka. As he envisions a sustainable future, Ajith dreams of continuing his family's farming legacy in Irudeniyaya's verdant landscapes.