Mr. Lindapitiya is a vegetable farmer from the Nawakadadora Grama Niladhari (GN) division in Nuwara Eliya district. For the past 25 years, he has been cultivating vegetables such as bell peppers, leeks, carrot, potato, and cabbage on half an acre (80 perch) plot of land.  However, over the past few years, Mr. Lindapitiya had faced numerous challenges due to adverse weather conditions and pest attacks resulting in low yields, especially while cultivating potatoes. In early 2024, the KOICA-funded project: Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka provided support to Mr.Lindapitiya to construct a polytunnel to grow high value vegetable crops in a controlled environment.

This project, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is implemented by UN-Habitat in close partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka and Community-Based Organizations in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts through a participatory methodology. The project supports local authorities and vulnerable communities to increase resilience and gain access to safely managed water supply, sanitation and waste management systems; and farmers and communities to improve their agricultural production. Through the agricultural component of the project, 3,687 farmers in the two districts have been provided with agricultural materials, equipment, and facilities, while 1,503 farmers received customized training sessions on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and livestock management to improve their production. Provision of polytunnels to improve agricultural productivity and food security is one of the key initiatives of the project. Cultivating high value crops in polytunnels is considered a smart solution to the climate and pest related challenges faced by farmers. Describing its advantages, Ms. Irosha Hettiarachchi, UN-Habitat’s Senior Project Assistant for Agriculture in Nuwara Eliya stated: “Polytunnels enhance crop yield by creating a stable, controlled environment that optimizes key factors like temperature, water, light, humidity, and protection from pests and diseases. These conditions help crops grow faster, healthier, and more consistently, leading to increased productivity and higher yields”.

When When Mr. L.G.N.S.K. Lindapitiya was selected as a beneficiary in March 2024, he and his family worked closely with UN-Habitat, Department of Agriculture and the community-based organization (CBO) “Madhurapani Prajamula” to construct the polytunnel and to plant the crops. The CBO, as the implementing partner, selected a local contractor to construct the structure, with the Department of Agriculture providing technical support. The construction of the structure commenced in June 2024 and was completed within 3 weeks. The polytunnel consists of a 1,500 square foot structure, with a micro-irrigation system and a safety and stock room. The micro irrigation system includes 360 drippers, 16 misters or foggers with a centrifugal pump. In addition, a 1,000-liter capacity water tank is also provided to each farmer.

The construction of the polytunnel cost LKR. 1,700,000, which was funded by the project. Disaster risk reduction features have been incorporated into the design and construction of the polytunnel. The polytunnel frame is constructed from strong, corrosion-resistant materials including galvanized iron pipes. The frame is anchored deep into the ground to prevent the structure being dislodged by strong winds. Wind belts, made from durable materials such as netting or mesh are installed around the structure. UV treated defused polythene is used to prevent damage from prolonged sun exposure. Non-slip materials are used for flooring to reduce the risk of falls, especially in wet or muddy conditions.

Following the establishment of his polytunnel, Mr. Lindapitiya commenced planting his bell pepper plants in August 2024. His spouse – Mrs. Manjula Senali and children are also actively engaged in agricultural activities, including the selection and planting of crops. Mrs. Manjula Senali has participated in the capacity building sessions conducted by the Department of Agriculture, where she was trained to effectively manage the polytunnel, handle the crops, and operate the irrigation systems. In January 2025, Mr. Lindapitiya successfully harvested his first yield of 360 green bell peppers. Reflecting on his new initiative, Mr.Lindapitiya said: “Since I started using the polytunnel, growing bell peppers has become so much easier. My first harvest is ready, and I’m looking forward to selling it soon. The polytunnel has protected my crops from the harsh weather, so the quality and consistency have improved. I’m excited because this income will help me support my family, especially in providing a better future for my children”. As Nuwara Eliya is a popular tourist destination, the fresh bell peppers will be sold to hotels and restaurants, where there is a high demand for quality vegetables.

A total of twenty farmers from the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla districts have been provided with polytunnels by the project. The selection of farmers was undertaken using clear and transparent criteria by UN-Habitat. Stakeholder engagement from various departments, such as the Divisional Secretariat and the Department of Agriculture, ensured the selection process represented the needs of the entire community, with particular attention to middle-income farmers. The selection process was publicly announced, and community meetings were held to explain the procedure, ensuring equal opportunities for all interested farmer families.

A formal grievance redress mechanism was established to allow participants to voice their concerns regarding the project. Notices requesting applications, beneficiary lists, grievance notices were displayed in public places within the Nawakadadora GN division. Customized training sessions have been provided to farmers, providing them with skills to effectively manage and operate polytunnels including crop management, irrigation systems and pest control.

As the project supports farmers to upgrade their practices to meet Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, crops produced are environmentally sustainable, thus increasing their marketability. Officers from the Department of Agriculture regularly conduct monitoring visits to assess the progress of the polytunnel activities. These visits provide ongoing support, guidance, and feedback to farmers, ensuring that any challenges are addressed promptly and that best practices are followed to maintain the sustainability of the project. Mr.R.S.Chandrasiri, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture in Nuwara Eliya, remarked “This is an intervention for high value crop cultivation. It should be taken forward with the growing Sri Lankan economy by creating linkages with the tourism industry and the export market”.

The Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience of Communities Affected by the COVID–19 Pandemic in Central and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka project is implemented from 2022-2025 through UN-Habitat’s people-centric, participatory approach in the Nuwara Eliya and Badulla Districts. The overall goal of the project is to support and strengthen socioeconomic recovery of the and resilience of estate and rural communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.