The Peanut Growers Expansion Fund

Place: Batticaloa

Division: Vavuntheevu

Programme Duration: 2 years

Cost: $25,000 AUD

Reach: 100 women farmers

Partnering Bank: HNB

About the fund

One hundred farmers who have been working with us for the past two years on improved practices and have demonstrated commitment and increased productivity will have the opportunity to access a low-interest fund to grow their businesses. Typically, this capital will be used for investing in water pumps and hoses so that farmers can cultivate during the dry season.

During this time, they must use available water sources that may be farther away and use pumps and hoses to bring needed water to their lands. Cultivating during these seasons allows them to better regulate the quality of their crops because they are not dependent on the weather and rains, which can impact quality. This, in turn, will enable them to access higher prices for their produce.

In addition to pumps and hoses, farmers are looking to invest in elephant fencing and land fencing, as many bring livestock back in the dry season and need to protect their cultivated lands. They also plan to make one-time investments to clear unused lands for expansion.

We will monitor the use of these funds and ensure that any technical support needed is provided. Furthermore, all funds will be provided through women farmers who are also engaged with our Village Savings groups. Many farmers will access part of the loan
requirement through these groups. The groups have validated the farmers, as has the bank, and the monitoring and collection of funds will be undertaken with the support of these women village banks.

The Peanut Growers Expansion Fund

Place: Batticaloa

Division: Vavuntheevu

Programme Duration: 2 years

Cost: $25,000 AUD

Reach: 100 women farmers

Partnering Bank: HNB

About the fund

One hundred farmers who have been working with us for the past two years on improved practices and have demonstrated commitment and increased productivity will have the opportunity to access a low-interest fund to grow their businesses. Typically, this capital will be used for investing in water pumps and hoses so that farmers can cultivate during the dry season.

During this time, they must use available water sources that may be farther away and use pumps and hoses to bring needed water to their lands. Cultivating during these seasons allows them to better regulate the quality of their crops because they are not dependent on the weather and rains, which can impact quality. This, in turn, will enable them to access higher prices for their produce.

In addition to pumps and hoses, farmers are looking to invest in elephant fencing and land fencing, as many bring livestock back in the dry season and need to protect their cultivated lands. They also plan to make one-time investments to clear unused lands for expansion.

We will monitor the use of these funds and ensure that any technical support needed is provided. Furthermore, all funds will be provided through women farmers who are also engaged with our Village Savings groups. Many farmers will access part of the loan
requirement through these groups. The groups have validated the farmers, as has the bank, and the monitoring and collection of funds will be undertaken with the support of these women village banks.