Battling Climate Change with Rural Farmers

As the co-founder and CEO of Eshkol, Bhagya Uthpala Wijayawardane is working with rural smallholder farmers to battle climate change, improve farming practices and sustain their livelihoods. 

Bhagya’s innovative approach centres around the introduction of low-cost, sustainable technologies such as greenhouses and efficient irrigation systems to 50 farmers in Badulla and Ratnapura. Her impact extends beyond rural areas, with Eshkol pioneering sustainable urban farming practices. By introducing vertical planters, she has empowered over 250 families to maximize small urban spaces, turning them into productive gardens.

Eshkol stands out not just for its innovation but for its self-sustainability. As a social enterprise, it generates an annual revenue of 1.5 to 2 million rupees, all without external funding. This revenue supports its mission of providing affordable, practical solutions to both urban households and small-scale farmers, ensuring the enterprise’s growth and continued impact.

Bhagya’s commitment to sustainability is evident in her hands-on advisory services, which have transformed the agricultural practices of around 50 smallholder farmers. Her work has helped them achieve a stable income and adopt long-term sustainable practices. Additionally, her educational outreach has reached 200 to 300 students, involving them in the creation of community gardens and embedding sustainability into their curricula. 

A defining moment in Bhagya’s career was her selection for the 2018 Commonwealth Youth Awards. She received the Queen’s Young Leaders Award for her work to improve food security in Sri Lanka. This achievement opened doors to her for advanced studies in sustainability leadership at Cambridge University. Her pioneering initiatives, including the introduction of modular greenhouses and sensory gardening for differently-abled children, exemplify her relentless commitment to making sustainable agriculture accessible and impactful for all.