Vanni Association of the Visually Impaired Collective Farm Development - Phase 3
Initiated in October 2025, the Vanni Association of the Visually Impaired Collective Farm Development Project has successfully implemented two key projects in its first phase: garden irrigation, cultivation, poultry farming, and setting up an Azolla pond. As a continuation, the project now aims to execute the next stage of collective farm development by cultivating red bananas alongside intercropping, establishing a dairy farm, producing vermicompost, and introducing the use of solar energy.
Project Objectives:
To develop the Vanni Association of the Visually Impaired collective farm into a model organic and self-sustaining farm.
To reduce monthly electricity expenses through solar energy and utilize those savings for food provisions.
Project Activities:
1. Red Banana Cultivation and Intercropping (Rs 240,000)
As a continuation of the collective farm project successfully launched last year, 250 red banana saplings will be planted across a half-acre land area.
Intercrops will be planted utilizing the space between banana plants to ensure a continuous income stream.
2. Shed Construction and Vermicompost Production (Rs 325,000)
Roofing will be constructed for the partially built 30 ft x 10 ft shed to make the dairy farm fully operational.
A vermicomposting setup will be created using waste from the dairy farm. This organic fertilizer will be used for the farm and any excess will be sold.
3. Solar-Powered Water Pump (Rs 360,000)
A solar-powered water pump will be purchased to meet the irrigation needs of the farm.
Switching to solar energy instead of electricity will save a minimum of Rs 20,000 per month on electricity bills. Money that has been saved will be used towards the association's monthly food expenses..