Sri Lanka has unveiled its first National Food Safety Policy, a landmark framework developed with support from the FAO and the European Union to strengthen food safety governance, safeguard public health, and boost confidence in the country’s agrifood systems. 

The policy, launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, sets out a coordinated, risk‑based approach to food safety across the entire food chain, from production to consumption, marking a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to modernize its food control system. 

Although Sri Lanka has an established legal framework governing food safety, the country previously lacked an overarching national policy to guide and coordinate food safety efforts across institutions and sectors. The new policy addresses this gap by providing strategic direction for strengthening governance, enhancing surveillance systems, improving risk assessment and communication, building laboratory capacity, strengthening food safety legislation, and promoting greater awareness among producers, food businesses and consumers.

The policy also seeks to address emerging food safety challenges associated with changing food production systems, expanding domestic and international food trade, evolving consumer preferences, and increasingly complex food supply chains. It promotes a preventive, risk-based approach to food safety while strengthening coordination among stakeholders at national, provincial and local levels.

Dr. Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Health, welcomed the adoption of the policy as a significant step towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s food safety system. “The National Food Safety Policy marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen public health and build greater confidence in our food systems. By establishing a clear national framework that promotes prevention, scientific risk management and stronger coordination across sectors, we are laying the foundation for safer food for every citizen while enhancing the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s agrifood sector. We appreciate the technical support provided by FAO and the European Union through the BESPA programme in helping us develop this important national policy.”

Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, highlighted the importance of strong food safety systems for public health and sustainable economic development. “Food safety is essential not only for protecting the health and well-being of consumers, but also for building resilient food systems, strengthening market confidence and creating new economic opportunities. Through the European Union-funded BESPA programme, we are pleased to support Sri Lanka in establishing its first National Food Safety Policy, which provides a strong foundation for modern, risk-based food safety governance. We are hopeful of seeing this policy translate into a robust implementation . This milestone reflects our continued partnership with Sri Lanka in promoting sustainable agrifood systems that benefit producers, businesses and consumers alike.”

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), through the European Union-funded Mainstreaming Standards-Based Best Practices for Agri-Food Sector Development (BESPA) programme, has supported the Ministry of Health and Mass Media since the programme’s inception in developing the National Food Safety Policy. Through the programme, FAO provided national and international technical expertise to develop the initial draft of the policy and continued to support its refinement through multiple rounds of technical review and stakeholder consultations.

The operationalization of the National Food Safety Policy will be supported by the proposed updated Food Act, which will provide the legislative framework for strengthening food safety control in Sri Lanka. In July 2026, FAO supported a national stakeholder consultation, chaired by the Director General of Health Services, to review the latest draft of the proposed Act and obtain final technical inputs from key stakeholders. 

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said the policy reflects the importance of coordinated action to strengthen food safety across the agrifood system. “Food safety is fundamental to protecting public health while building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. This landmark policy provides Sri Lanka with a strategic roadmap to strengthen food safety governance, improve coordination across sectors, and promote preventive, science-based approaches that benefit consumers, producers and the country’s economy. FAO is proud to have supported the Government of Sri Lanka, with funding from the European Union through the BESPA programme, in achieving this important milestone.”

The National Food Safety Policy outlines six strategic priority areas that will guide implementation. These include strengthening food safety governance and institutional coordination; improving food safety control throughout the food chain; enhancing legislation, standards and regulatory systems; strengthening surveillance, laboratories and risk analysis; promoting communication, education and capacity development; and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to support effective implementation.

By strengthening food safety systems, the policy is expected to reduce foodborne illnesses, improve consumer confidence, facilitate international trade, enhance nutrition outcomes, reduce food losses, support tourism, and strengthen the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s food and agriculture sectors.

FAO remains committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka in implementing the National Food Safety Policy and strengthening food safety systems through the European Union-funded BESPA programme as part of broader efforts to promote safer, healthier and more resilient agrifood systems that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. (Newswire)

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The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is not a temporary shipping disruption but the beginning of a systemic agrifood shock that could trigger a severe global food price crisis within six to 12 months, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned.

According to a statement by the FAO, avoiding such an outcome will require alternative trade routes, restraint on export restrictions, protection of humanitarian flows, and buffers to absorb higher transport costs.

The time has come to “start seriously thinking about how to increase the absorption capacity of countries, how to increase their resilience to this choke, so that we start to minimize the potential impacts,” FAO Chief Economist Maximo Torero said in a new podcast published on Wednesday.

This involves exploring “intervention by governments, by international financial organizations, by the private sector, and by UN agencies and other research centers to try to help countries to be able to cope better with the current situation,” Torero said.

According to FAO, the window for preventive action is closing quickly. Decisions taken now by farmers and governments on fertilizer use, imports, financing and crop choices will determine whether a severe global food price crisis emerges within six to 12 months.

The impact is already visible. The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks monthly changes in the international prices of a basket of globally traded food commodities, rose for a third consecutive month in April, driven by high energy costs and disruptions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The shock is unfolding in stages: energy, fertilizer, seeds, lower yields, commodity price increases, then food inflation.

Mitigating these impacts will require shifting to alternative land and sea routes, including via the eastern Arabian Peninsula, western Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, said David Laborde, Director of FAO’s Agrifood Economics Division. However, these routes have limited capacity, making it critical to avoid export restrictions by major producers. 

This is especially critical for safeguarding humanitarian food flows, Torero added.

The situation could worsen with the onset of El Niño, which is expected to bring droughts and disrupt rainfall and temperature patterns across several regions.

FAO has compiled a series of policy recommendations designed to deal with the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

Short-term recommendations:

• Rapidly secure alternative land and sea corridors to bypass Hormuz – this won’t resolve the magnitude of the supply shock of inputs but will help to marginally reduce it.
• Avoid export restrictions, especially on energy, fertilizers and inputs.
• Exempt food aid from trade curbs.
• Promote in emergency interventions intercropping (cereals + legumes) to cut nitrogenous fertilizer use and provide major nutritional, environmental, economic, and agronomic benefits.
• Activate social protection programmes, drawing on lessons from Latin America.
• Avoid blanket subsidies, which create significant fiscal pressures and tend to be regressive; instead, prioritize targeted support for the most vulnerable through digital registries that can efficiently direct assistance to vulnerable rural households and smallholders, particularly in Africa.

Medium-term recommendations:

• Avoid boosting biofuel demand during shortages to limit food–fuel competition.
• Ensure energy policy responses do not exacerbate food crises.
• Expand affordable credit for farmers and agribusinesses through second-tier institutions to provide credit lines to reach SMEs, MSMEs, and value-chain actors. These lines should be of low interest emergency credit, with repayment schedules aligned to harvest periods and with at least six to nine months of grace periods.
• Combine agricultural loans with guaranteed offtake agreements from aggregators, processors, or public buyers.
• Use digital farmer registries and mobile money systems, as implemented in Mozambique and Peru, for rapid disbursement.
• Integrate informal farmers into different forms of horizontal coordination (farmer associations, farmer groups, cooperatives, etc.)  to improve access to finance and support and take the crises as an opportunity to formalize farmers through digital registries.
• Provide facilities for balance-of-payments, support of rapid disbursement and expand financing for food and fertilizer imports. The Food Import Financing Facility is design for this and the implementation in 2022 of the food shock driven window should be reactivated.
• Use fast-track financing and increase grants for debt-distressed countries through existing mechanisms of MDBs and IFIs.

Long-term recommendations:

• Diversify ports, corridors, storage, and logistics systems globally to reduce chokepoint risks in the future.
• Build regional reserves and warehousing capacity to strengthen future shock absorption.
• Improve the resilience of domestic and cross-border transport systems.
• Use concessional financing to accelerate diversification of the energy mix and expand irrigation by replacing diesel with electric and solar-powered systems, particularly for irrigation.
• Expand the use of electrified machinery, drones, and precision agriculture technologies.
• Improve efficiency through soil mapping and precision application to reduce fertilizer waste and increase nutrient-use efficiency.
• Develop innovation funds to support green ammonia, biostimulants, crop genetics, and nutrient-efficiency technologies. While this will take three to five years, it will significantly strengthen long-term resilience.
• Coordinate with fertilizer companies to develop shared soil and fertilizer mapping systems based on agreed common standards.
• Support crop switching, intercropping, and fertilizer efficiency improvements rather than pursuing full system overhauls.
• Strengthen macroeconomic resilience to food inflation and import shocks.
• Expand the use of early warning systems, insurance, and monitoring mechanisms to act before crises escalate. This is even more urgent given the high probability of a strong El Niño event. (Newswire/ FAO)

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Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone in modernizing its shrimp aquaculture industry with the successful completion of the project “Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture through Effective Biosecurity and Digital Technology.” 

The project is implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, with financial support from the Government of the Republic of Korea.

According to the FAO, the four-year initiative has strengthened biosecurity systems, introduced digital innovations, improved food safety, and enhanced technical capacity across Sri Lanka’s shrimp value chain.

A key achievement of the project is the development of Sri Lanka’s National Strategy on Aquatic Animal Health, providing a comprehensive framework to improve disease prevention and management in aquaculture. The strategy is supported by a national aquatic pathogen list, disease profiles for major shrimp diseases, and a nationwide survey covering 699 shrimp farms. GIS-based mapping and farm profiling now enable more targeted disease surveillance, environmental monitoring, and planning. Laboratory capacity for aquatic animal health has also been enhanced, including upgrades to NAQDA facilities and improved access to modern diagnostic equipment.

Speaking on the project, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, said, “The successful implementation of this project marks an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s aquaculture sector. By strengthening biosecurity systems and embracing digital technologies, we are enhancing the resilience, productivity, and sustainability of shrimp farming, while safeguarding livelihoods and supporting national development priorities.”

The project also introduced the National Shrimp Industry Information System (SIIS), a digital platform that integrates farm-level and national data to support real-time monitoring and decision-making. Using IoT-enabled sensors, the system captures water quality data and provides early warning alerts, enabling farmers and authorities to respond quickly to emerging risks. All shrimp farms in the Northwestern Province have been mapped under the system, supporting the transition toward a data-driven and responsive aquaculture sector.

Better Management Practices (BMP) for shrimp farming were reviewed and updated to strengthen environmental sustainability and biosecurity. These guidelines have been disseminated widely among farmers and stakeholders, supported by awareness and training programmes.

Speaking on the project, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Miyon Lee, reaffirmed Korea’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s sustainable development as a key development partner and commended FAO’s work to promote sustainable aquaculture in Sri Lanka. The Ambassador noted that Korea’s support will further assist Sri Lanka move toward smarter and more efficient aquaculture systems by introducing digital solutions, and thus contribute to rural livelihoods and food security.

The project also assessed Sri Lanka’s shrimp food safety systems and developed a strategic improvement plan to strengthen regulatory frameworks, laboratory capacity, and compliance with international standards, supporting improved market access and consumer confidence.

Capacity development has been central to the project’s success. A total of 450 shrimp farmers and 190 government officials were trained in areas including disease diagnostics, water quality monitoring, biosecurity, and digital data management.

To support these efforts, the project provided approximately USD 128,000 worth of equipment, including water quality monitoring systems, laboratory diagnostic tools, and IT infrastructure to strengthen field and laboratory operations.

Speaking on the project, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, Vimlendra Sharan, said, “Through this initiative, Sri Lanka has strengthened its capacity to manage aquaculture in a more integrated and data-driven manner. The introduction of the SIIS platform, alongside improved biosecurity and technical capacity, provides a strong foundation for building a resilient and sustainable shrimp industry.”

The project’s achievements contribute to strengthening Sri Lanka’s shrimp aquaculture sector by integrating improved governance, science-based decision-making, and digital innovation. Continued collaboration between FAO, the Government of Sri Lanka, and development partners will be essential to sustain these gains and support long-term growth, improved livelihoods, and enhanced food security. (Newswire)

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The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has completed a marine scientific survey in Sri Lankan waters and departed Colombo, marking the conclusion of a critical mission to strengthen the country’s ocean knowledge base.

According to a statement from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the research was part of the EAF-Nansen Programme of the FAO and Norway.

The vessel spent several weeks collecting valuable scientific data on fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and oceanographic conditions, contributing to a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.

The survey assessed both pelagic and demersal fish populations, while also collecting key oceanographic data such as water temperature, currents, nutrient levels, and dissolved oxygen. In addition, the potential of underutilized marine resources was explored, including cephalopods and mesopelagic species, and examined marine pollution, including microplastics, alongside nutritional and contaminant analysis of seafood.

This mission marks the fifth scientific survey conducted in Sri Lankan waters under the Nansen Programme, building on previous expeditions carried out between 1978 and 1980 and most recently in 2018. Updated data is particularly important in light of evolving marine ecosystems and changing fish stock dynamics.

The survey was implemented in close collaboration with Sri Lankan institutions, with scientists from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) leading the scientific work, supported by experts and crew from Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR) that operates the vessel and is responsible for the scientific activities and training aboard. 

The findings from this mission will be analyzed and shared with national stakeholders to guide future fisheries management strategies and policy development, ensuring the sustainable use of Sri Lanka’s ocean resources for generations to come.

“The successful completion of this survey represents a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector,” said Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. “The scientific insights gained will support evidence-based decision-making to ensure the sustainable management of our marine resources and the protection of livelihoods dependent on them.”

Being the only research vessel that flies the UN flag, the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen serves as a unique platform for international cooperation. Bringing together researchers and fisheries management institutions in partner countries, it is equipped with advanced technology to generate critical knowledge on marine resources and ecosystems, supporting countries like Sri Lanka in making informed, science-based decisions. It also provided hands-on training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, strengthening national capacity in fisheries science and oceanographic research.

“Norway is proud to partner with Sri Lanka and FAO through the EAF-Nansen Programme to support sustainable ocean planning, where management decisions are firmly based on science,” said May-Elin Stener, Ambassador of Norway to Sri Lanka. “The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen represents a long-standing commitment to international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and capacity development. The data and expertise generated through this mission will contribute to safeguarding marine ecosystems while supporting livelihoods and strengthening food security for communities that depend on the ocean.”

“The departure of Dr. Fridtjof Nansen marks not the end, but the beginning of a critical phase of data analysis and application,” said Mr Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “FAO remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka in translating these findings into effective policies and practices that promote sustainable fisheries and resilient marine ecosystems.”

The survey also contributes to Sri Lanka’s international reporting obligations, including requirements related to marine mammal observations necessary to maintain access to global seafood markets. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, the Government of Australia, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a AUD 2 million recovery initiative to restore and transform vegetable production systems in the cyclone-affected districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla.

Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, caused widespread devastation across the country, severely disrupting agricultural production systems and livelihoods. The highland districts of Nuwara Eliya and Badulla, key suppliers of vegetables such as beans, carrots, leeks, cabbage, tomato and potato, were among the hardest hit, with thousands of smallholder farmers losing crops, seed stocks, and productive assets.

This 12-month initiative aims to restore and strengthen climate-resilient vegetable production systems, with a strong focus on empowering women farmers and supporting persons with disabilities. 

The project will directly benefit more than 2,400 smallholder farmers through improved seed and seedling production systems, small machinery, training, and market linkages, while indirectly supporting thousands more. 

According to the FAO, the agreement on the AUD 2 million recovery initiative was formalized through the signing of the grant agreement by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Matthew Duckworth, and FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, alongside the signing of the project document by Secretary of Agriculture, D. P. Wickramasinghe and Sharan. 

The ceremony took place in the presence of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, K. D. Lal Kantha, at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation.

“This initiative is an important step not only in restoring what was lost, but in building a more resilient and self-reliant agricultural sector,” said Minister Lal Kantha. “By strengthening local seed systems and supporting smallholder farmers, particularly women and vulnerable groups, we are investing in the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s food systems.”

“Australia stands alongside Sri Lanka in its ongoing recovery from Cyclone Ditwah,” said High Commissioner Duckworth. “Australia is a steadfast partner in the agriculture sector with its importance for food security, rural development and climate resilience. By focusing on climate-smart practices, farmer-led solutions and inclusive economic opportunities, this project will deliver meaningful and lasting benefits to affected communities.”

Building back better with climate resilience and inclusion

The project will prioritize the restoration of farmer-led seed systems for beans and potatoes, support the re-establishment of both open-field and protected cultivation systems, and women-led seedling supply nurseries while empowering all farmers with Climate-Smart Good Agricultural Practices (CSGAP) with small-scale machinery and input support. 

A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of six accessible and inclusive nurseries in Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. These nurseries will serve as sustainable agri-based enterprises, producing high-quality vegetable seedlings while creating new income opportunities and strengthening local input supply chains.

By combining recovery support with long-term resilience measures, the project will help stabilize vegetable production, improve household food security and nutrition, and reduce reliance on imported seeds.

“This project represents an opportunity to build back better,” said Mr. Sharan. “Through climate-smart agriculture, strengthened seed systems and inclusive agri-entrepreneurship, we are supporting communities to recover while enhancing their resilience to future shocks.”

The project is designed as both a recovery and climate adaptation intervention. It addresses structural vulnerabilities in seed supply, production systems, and market linkages, while enhancing the capacity of farmers and extension services to respond to future climate risks.

The initiative aligns with national priorities on food security, climate resilience, and inclusive rural development, and will be implemented in close collaboration with national partners, including the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Department of Agriculture. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a fertilizer support programme to assist smallholder paddy farmers in the Anuradhapura District whose fields were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, helping them recover production in time for the upcoming Yala cultivation season in Sri Lanka.

Through a voucher scheme valued at USD 300,000, FAO will provide targeted fertilizer support to 3,489 smallholder paddy farmers, including 1,686 women farmers, whose fields were partially or fully damaged by the cyclone during the Maha cultivation season in Sri Lanka 2025/26.

According to the FAO, eligible farmers will receive electronic vouchers (e-vouchers) to purchase essential fertilizers from Agrarian Service Centres. 

Farmers cultivating up to 0.5 acres will receive vouchers valued at USD 75 (LKR 23,625), while those cultivating more than 0.5 acres up to 1 acre will receive USD 90 (LKR 28,350). The vouchers can be used to obtain fertilizers including Urea fertilizer, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP).

“This initiative demonstrates the strong collaboration between FAO and the Government of Sri Lanka to support farmers recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah,” said Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga, Commissioner-General of the Department of Agrarian Development. “By enabling timely access to essential fertilizers ahead of the Yala cultivation season, this support will help affected farmers restore paddy production and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farming communities in Anuradhapura.”

“Through this fertilizer voucher programme, FAO aims to help farmers quickly return to cultivation while strengthening their production capacity and contributing to local food security. This also marks the first time FAO in Sri Lanka is implementing an online digital fertilizer voucher programme, expanding our emergency response tools to ensure farmers receive timely and flexible support,” Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, said, emphasizing the importance of timely agricultural recovery assistance for vulnerable farmers.

Alongside fertilizer support, each beneficiary will also receive a free technical booklet on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in paddy cultivation for practical guidance on key stages of rice production. This knowledge resource is designed to help farmers improve productivity and sustainability while making more efficient use of agricultural inputs.

The FAO stated that by combining timely input support with practical technical guidance, it aims to help affected farmers recover from the cyclone’s impacts and sustain rice production in one of Sri Lanka’s key agricultural districts. (Newswire)

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By Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives 

Three months after Cyclone Ditwah swept across Sri Lanka in late November 2025, the headlines have moved on. In many places, the floodwaters have receded, emergency support has reached affected communities, and farmers are doing what they always do, trying to salvage what they can and prepare for the next season. Yet the most important question now is not how quickly agriculture can return to “normal”.  It is whether Sri Lanka will rebuild in a way that breaks the cycle of risks that made Ditwah so devastating in the first place.

Ditwah was not simply a bad storm. It was a stress test for our food system, our land and water management, and the institutions meant to protect livelihoods. It showed, in harsh detail, how quickly losses multiply when farms sit in flood pathways, when irrigation and drainage are designed for yesterday’s rainfall, when safety nets are thin, and when early warnings do not consistently translate into early action.

In the immediate aftermath, the damage was rightly measured in flooded hectares, broken canals and damaged infrastructure, and families who lost a season’s worth of income overnight. Those impacts remain real. But three months on, the clearer lesson is why the shock travelled so far and so fast. Over time, exposure has become the default: cultivation and settlement have expanded into floodplains and unstable slopes, driven by land pressure and weak enforcement of risk-informed planning. Infrastructure that should cushion shocks, tanks, canals, embankments, culverts, too often became a failure point because maintenance has lagged and design standards have not kept pace with extreme weather. At farm level, production risk remains concentrated, with limited diversification and high sensitivity to a single event arriving at the wrong stage of the season. Meanwhile, indebted households with delayed access to liquidity struggled to recover, and the information reaching farmers was not always specific enough to prompt practical decisions at the right time.

If Sri Lanka takes only one message from Ditwah, it should be this: recovery spending, by itself, is not resilience. Rebuilding must reduce recurring losses, not merely replace what was damaged. That requires choices that are sometimes harder politically and administratively, but far cheaper than repeating the same cycle of emergency, repair, and regret.

First, Sri Lanka needs farming systems that do not collapse in an “all-or-nothing” way when water stays on fields for days. That means making diversification the norm, not the exception. It means supporting farmers to adopt crop mixes and planting schedules that spread risk, expanding the availability of stress-tolerant and short-duration varieties, and treating soil health and field drainage as essential productivity infrastructure. It also means paying far more attention to livestock and fisheries, where simple measures like safer siting, elevated shelters, protected feed storage, and better-designed ponds can prevent avoidable losses.

Second, we must stop rebuilding infrastructure to the standards of the past. Irrigation and drainage networks, rural roads, bridges, storage facilities and market access are not just development assets; they are risk management systems. Every major repair should be screened through a simple question: will this investment reduce risk under today’s and tomorrow’s rainfall patterns, or will it lock vulnerability in for the next 20 years? Design standards should reflect projected intensity, not historical averages. Catchment-to-field water management must combine engineered solutions with natural buffers such as wetlands, riparian strips and mangroves that reduce surge, erosion and siltation. Most importantly, hazard information must translate into enforceable land-use decisions, including where rebuilding should not happen and where fair support is needed for people to relocate or shift livelihoods safely.

Third, Sri Lanka must share risk more fairly between farmers, markets and the state. Ditwah exposed how quickly a climate shock becomes a debt crisis for rural households. Faster liquidity after a disaster is not a luxury; it is the difference between recovery and long-term impoverishment. Crop insurance needs to be expanded and improved beyond rice, including high-value crops, and designed for quicker payouts. At the national level, rapid-trigger disaster financing can provide immediate fiscal space to support early recovery without derailing budgets. Public funding and concessional climate finance should be channelled into a clear pipeline of resilience investments, rather than fragmented projects that do not add up to systemic change.

Fourth, early warning must finally become early action. We need not just better forecasts but clearer, localised guidance that farmers can act on, linked to reservoir levels, flood risk, and the realities of protecting seed, inputs and livestock. Extension services must be equipped for a climate era, with practical training in climate-smart practices and risk reduction. And the data systems across meteorology, irrigation, agriculture and social protection must talk to each other so that support can be triggered quickly when thresholds are crossed, instead of being assembled after losses are already locked in.

What does this mean in practice? Over the coming months, the focus should be on completing priority irrigation and drainage works with “build-back-better” standards, supporting replanting packages that include soil and drainage measures rather than seed alone, and preventing distress coping through temporary protection for the most vulnerable households. Over the next few years, the country should aim to roll out climate-smart production and advisory bundles in selected river basins, institutionalise agriculture-focused post-disaster assessments that translate into funded plans, and pilot shock-responsive safety nets and rapid-trigger insurance in cyclone-exposed districts. Over the longer term, repeated loss zones must be reoriented towards flood-compatible systems and slope-stabilising perennials, while catchment rehabilitation and natural infrastructure restoration are treated as productivity investments, not optional environmental add-ons.

None of this is abstract. The cost of inaction is paid in failed harvests, lost income, higher food prices and deeper rural debt. The opportunity is equally concrete: if Sri Lanka uses the post-Ditwah period to modernise agriculture making production more resilient, infrastructure smarter, finance faster and institutions more responsive, then Ditwah can become more than a disaster. It can become the turning point where the country decides to stop repairing vulnerability and start building resilience.

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Sri Lanka today officially launched the Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework, Agriculture Interoperability Framework, Data Sharing Policies, and CROPIX, a national digital platform for crop data and decision-making.

The high-level launch event, co-hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding from the Gates Foundation, marked the formal introduction of a unified digital foundation designed to modernize agricultural governance, improve service delivery, and enable evidence-based decision-making across the sector.

Together, these initiatives form the backbone of Sri Lanka’s emerging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture, addressing long-standing challenges related to fragmented data systems, institutional silos, and limited data sharing across government entities.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, K. D. Lalkantha, emphasized the strategic importance of the launch for the sector’s future.

“Today marks a decisive shift in how Sri Lanka governs and supports its agriculture sector. By introducing a unified Enterprise Architecture, Interoperability Framework, and clear Data Sharing Policies, we are laying the foundation for a truly data-driven agriculture system that serves farmers, institutions, and decision-makers alike. CROPIX will enable us to move from fragmented information to informed, timely decisions that strengthen food security and farmer livelihoods,” the Minister said.

Highlighting the importance of interoperability and alignment with the national digital agenda, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, underscored the role of agriculture in Sri Lanka’s wider digital transformation.

“For years, Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector lacked a complete, reliable registry of farmers, lands, and crops—fragmented across systems with duplication and gaps. The solutions launched today change that, introducing a unified, API-driven platform for trusted data-sharing. This will enable smarter policies, targeted services, and innovations like agritech, precision farming, and digital marketplaces—delivering real digital value to those who feed the nation and driving our digital economy forward,” he said.

Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, highlighted the significance of the initiative within the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.

“What we are witnessing today is the extension of Sri Lanka’s Digital Public Infrastructure into one of our most critical sectors. By applying enterprise architecture, interoperability, and trusted data-sharing principles to agriculture, we are ensuring that digital transformation delivers real value on the ground. This approach enables scalable, secure systems that connect farmers to institutions, data to decisions, and policy to impact,” he said.

The Agriculture Enterprise Architecture Framework provides a strategic blueprint to align people, processes, data, and technology across agricultural institutions, ensuring that digital investments are interoperable, scalable, and future-ready. Complementing this, the Agriculture Interoperability Framework and newly introduced Data Sharing Policies enable secure, standardised, and trusted exchange of agricultural data across ministries, departments, and digital platforms.

At the centre of this digital ecosystem is CROPIX – Crop Resources, Optimizing operations, through Precise Information eXchange System. CROPIX operationalises the architecture and interoperability frameworks by integrating national crop registry, cultivation and production data, forecasting tools, extension services, near real-time field reporting, APIs and Open Data. Through its web platform and mobile applications, CROPIX connects farmers, extension officers, planners, and policymakers around a single, trusted source of agricultural data.

FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative and FAO’s continued partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka.

“This launch represents more than the introduction of digital systems; it marks a transformation in how data are governed, shared, and used across the agriculture sector. By establishing a strong digital public infrastructure for agriculture, Sri Lanka is positioning itself to respond more effectively to climate risks, improve service delivery, cater to dynamic market demands and make evidence-based decisions that leave no farmer behind. FAO is proud to support this journey towards a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready agriculture sector,” he said.

The launch is expected to accelerate institutional adoption of digital tools within the Department of Agriculture, promote responsible data sharing across government, and foster a culture where near real-time data informs planning, policy formulation, and investment decisions – ultimately ensuring that farmers are the primary beneficiaries through improved services, timely information, and more responsive, evidence-based support.

This milestone marks not just the introduction of new systems, but the beginning of a collaborative national journey towards a resilient, inclusive, and data-driven future for Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Headquarters in Rome has issued an appeal calling for international assistance of USD 16.5 million to support the early recovery of livelihoods and food security for farming, livestock-keeping and fishing communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the FAO stated that Cyclone Ditwah represents one of the most severe climate shocks the country has faced in decades, affecting all 25 districts and disrupting the lives and livelihoods of more than 2.2 million people. Over 1.1 million people are now in urgent need of food security, agricultural and nutrition assistance, at a time when vulnerabilities were already heightened by prolonged economic pressures.

The FAO pointed out that the cyclone struck at the onset of the critical Maha 2025/26 cultivation season, causing widespread damage to agriculture, livestock and fisheries. Floods inundated more than 129,000 hectares of agricultural land, affecting over 227,000 farming households. Standing water, debris, siltation and damaged irrigation systems are delaying replanting, while shortages of seeds, fertilizers and access to machinery threaten to result in irreversible production losses if immediate support is not provided.

Livestock and fisheries losses have further compounded the crisis. More than 37,000 cattle and buffaloes, nearly 16,000 goats and sheep, and 475,000 poultry have been lost, while damage to fisheries and aquaculture is estimated at USD 66–69 million, undermining both food availability and household incomes.

“This appeal focuses on early recovery interventions that are urgently needed to stabilize livelihoods and safeguard food production,” said Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “While the overall requirements for the agrifood sector to fully rebound are substantially higher, immediate early recovery support is critical to prevent long-term losses, deeper food insecurity and increased reliance on food assistance.”

FAO’s early recovery response

Issued by FAO Headquarters in Rome, the appeal targets 256,000 households (approximately 1.03 million people) across the Central, Eastern, North Central, North Western, Northern, Uva and Western Provinces. The USD 16.5 million requirement reflects priority early recovery actions, designed to rapidly restore productive capacity and protect livelihoods.

FAO’s planned interventions include:

• Restoring crop production by providing seeds, fertilizers and essential agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers;
• Safeguarding livestock assets through emergency animal health services, vaccines, veterinary kits and poultry restocking;
• Supporting fisheries and aquaculture livelihoods through the repair or replacement of damaged boats and fishing gear; and
• Providing cash-based assistance, including cash-for-work, to meet immediate needs, support livelihood restoration and enable debris clearance where markets are functioning.
  

The FAO is working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. FAO also co-leads the Food Security and Livelihoods Sector alongside the World Food Programme and coordinates its response with the Sri Lanka Humanitarian Priorities Plan – Cyclone Ditwah.

To date, USD 400,000 has been received, leaving a 97.6 per cent funding gap. Without urgent donor support, hundreds of thousands of households risk missing an entire cultivation season, with lasting consequences for food security, nutrition and rural resilience. (Newswire)

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New data from the Department of Agriculture, compiled with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), support, highlights the scale of flood impacts on agriculture across Sri Lanka. 

The maps show flood-affected areas of paddy, vegetables, and other field crops, with the most significant damage concentrated in several major agricultural districts.

These impacts threaten livelihoods, food production, and household food security, particularly for smallholder farmers. 

Issuing a statement, the FAO said it is working closely with national authorities and partners to assess damages, prioritize urgent needs, and support timely recovery and rehabilitation efforts. (Newswire)

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By Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives 

On September 29, the world marks the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, highlighting one of humanity’s pressing paradoxes. As the global population nears 8.5 billion by 2030, we still waste 1.3 billion tonnes of food annually – enough to feed three billion people. Sri Lanka is no exception. This crisis calls for urgent action, and increasingly, young people are emerging as catalysts for change.

The traditional “take-make-use-discard” model has proved unsustainable. A shift toward circular approaches – refuse, regenerate, reuse, and redesign – is gaining global momentum. At the heart of this transformation lies a simple truth: when young people embrace circular principles, they can reshape communities and inspire wider system change.

Students as Global Changemakers

Across the world, schools and universities are showing how education can drive sustainability. In Denmark, the Green School Flag program involves over 1,400 schools in projects that have measurably cut waste. Brazil’s Sustainable Schools Program establishes schools as central hubs for sustainability and to support local economies.. In Asia-Pacific, Japan’s education system embeds Mottainai – a philosophy of respect for resources – into its curriculum. Singapore’s Food Waste Prevention Programme combines lessons with practical campaigns, with over 80% of participating households reporting reduced waste. Universities like Arizona State, Stanford, and Wageningen have created “living labs,” where students design and test circular solutions, some achieving near zero-waste campuses.

From Ancient Values to Modern Solutions

Closer to home, Sri Lanka offers a strong example of how traditional wisdom can be harmonized with modern education. The island’s cultural values of resource sharing and waste minimization – embodied in practices such as dana (giving) – form a natural foundation for circular education. Youth-led initiatives like the Robin Hood Army and Soup Bowl show how young people can tackle food waste while supporting vulnerable communities. At the same time, international partnerships are making a difference- the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy joins efforts with the Government of Sri Lanka through the “Circular Economy in the Food Sector Project (2024–2027),” to deliver training for educators and school-based activities in Colombo, Galle, and Nuwara Eliya, enabling students to develop hands-on solutions to food waste and resource recovery.

Complementing these efforts, FAO’s Do Good: Save Food materials – available in Tamil, Sinhala, and many other languages – provide children, teachers, and families with simple, practical ways to reduce food waste in daily life. By making these practices accessible and actionable, the resources empower communities to contribute meaningfully to the global movement to save food and protect the planet.

FAO’s Global Framework

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recognizes education’s critical role in building circular food systems through partnerships with educational programs worldwide. FAO’s work demonstrates that circular economy approaches not only cut waste but also reduce the need for new resources to be extracted at great financial and environmental cost. FAO’s Technical Platform on the Measurement and Reduction of Food Loss and Waste showcases successful models from every continent. For instance, in Kenya, the School Food and Nutrition Framework incorporates food security lessons teaching students about entire food value chains. In Peru, educational partnerships connect schools with indigenous communities to learn traditional sustainable agriculture practices embodying circular principles.

The Path Forward

The evidence is clear: empowering young people to lead in circular food systems generates ripple effects across communities, policies, and markets. Students are not only learners but active innovators, influencing household behaviors, shaping local practices, and inspiring systemic change.

To scale this impact, action is needed on multiple fronts. Policymakers must create environments that encourage student leadership. Educators require resources for experiential learning. The private sector should expand opportunities for youth-led entrepreneurship and innovation. International organizations, including UN agencies, must continue fostering knowledge exchange and technical support.

The International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste reminds us that solutions are not only technical but also cultural and educational. For these solutions to succeed, they must be widely adopted by society. By nurturing students as champions of circular food systems, we equip them with the mindset and skills needed for a sustainable, equitable, and resilient future.

Our future is being shaped in classrooms today. Let us ensure it is one where food is valued, waste is minimized, and every young person’s voice is recognized as a driver of global change. 

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The North Central Provincial Department of Agriculture inaugurated a state-of-the-art Banana Tissue Culture Planting Material Production Laboratory at the In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama, North Central Province on Tuesday (02 Sept). 

The Banana Tissue Culture Planting Material Production Laboratory has been established with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme with the People’s Republic of China.

The laboratory, equipped through FAO’s support, will provide high-quality banana tissue-cultured planting materials to farmers in the North Central, Northern, and North-Western Provinces. Until now, farmers in these regions have relied on supplies transported from the southern part of the country, which proved both costly and inefficient due to transport-related damage.

This facility will significantly improve the availability of disease-free, high-yielding banana planting materials, enabling producers to increase productivity, quality, and profitability. The laboratory is expected to directly benefit banana nursery owners and farmers while contributing to a more inclusive and competitive fruit value chain.

FAO supported the establishment of the laboratory by financing the procurement of specialized equipment and chemicals, and by facilitating technical training for staff to ensure smooth operations and high standards. The initiative aligns with the project’s goal of improving the efficiency and competitiveness of banana, mango, and pineapple value chains in Sri Lanka to enhance both domestic production and export potential.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Wasantha Jinadasa, Governor of North Central Province, said, “This Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory marks an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fruit sector. By improving farmers’ access to high-quality planting material, we are empowering our agricultural communities, reducing costs, and paving the way for greater competitiveness in local and international markets.”

Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, added, “This laboratory is a practical example of how partnerships can deliver tangible benefits to farmers. By combining Sri Lanka’s commitment to agricultural development with FAO’s technical expertise and China’s support through South-South Cooperation, we are ensuring that farmers have access to the quality planting material they need to increase productivity and incomes.”

This milestone contributes to Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to modernize its agriculture sector, increase farmer incomes, and promote sustainable, market-oriented fruit production. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka has granted clearance for a Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) research vessel to operate in its waters from August 15 to 20, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

The decision comes after an earlier plan for the FAO-operated UN-flagged vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen was cancelled due to a lack of formal response from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.

The vessel’s deployment—requested by the Fisheries Ministry and coordinated through the UN—was intended to support climate-related programming and provide vital marine data.

A one-year moratorium on foreign research vessels expired in December 2024. Since then, the government has tasked an inter-ministerial committee with drafting new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), delaying approvals.

UN officials warned the cancellation could cost Sri Lanka over $1 million in lost support and affect future Green Climate Fund initiatives. The next possible deployment would not occur until after 2030. (Newswire)

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A multi-day fishing boat equipped with advanced cooling technology and a fuel-saving bulbous bow was handed over to Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector today by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The multi-day fishing boat was provided as part of the initiative by the FAO, with funding from the government of Norway, toward enhancing resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector.

According to the FAO, this initiative promotes the adoption of new technologies to reduce post-harvest losses, lower operational costs, and improve the quality of fish for both local and export markets.

Enhancing Resilience through Advanced Cooling Systems

Sri Lanka’s multi-day fishing vessels, essential for deep-sea fishing, especially in the tuna export industry, often rely on ice to preserve fish during long voyages. However, this practice frequently compromises quality, leading to post-harvest losses. The Fish Loss and Waste (FLW) Assessment conducted by FAO in 2022–2023 found an average quality loss of 41.4% in the catch from Sri Lanka’s multi-day fisheries.

To address this challenge, FAO has installed an advanced cooling system on a newly constructed multi-day fishing vessel to ensure fish are kept at optimal temperatures throughout the voyage. This technology strengthens the resilience of fishing operations, ensuring higher-quality fish products reach the market while reducing waste and spoilage.

Boosting Efficiency with Fuel-Saving Bulbous Bow Technology

Fuel efficiency is critical for Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, as multi-day boats consume between 8,000 and 11,000 litres of diesel per trip, costing operators 3 to 4 million LKR per voyage. To ease this burden, FAO provided technical expertise for the installation of bulbous bow technology on the vessel. This innovation minimizes wave resistance, delivering a 13% reduction in fuel consumption.

This innovation not only helps offset the additional fuel required by the cooling system but also brings long-term economic benefits to boat owners. The cost of installing the bulbous bow—approximately 1 million LKR—was borne by the boat owner with FAO’s technical support, highlighting the private sector’s role in adopting sustainable practices.

Empowering Fishermen with AI-Driven Quality Assessment Tools

A key challenge faced by fishermen is securing fair prices for their catch. Middlemen often exploit gaps in quality knowledge, leaving fishermen with reduced profits. To address this, FAO developed an AI-powered mobile app, enabling fishermen to assess the quality of their fish in real time based on Yellowfin Tuna export standards.

The app provides immediate feedback through a simple photo upload, giving fishermen the power to negotiate better prices. This tool enhances the resilience of fishing communities by ensuring more equitable market access and fairer pricing.

These initiatives, handed over to the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, are part of FAO’s broader commitment to build resilience in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector by promoting sustainable practices, reducing post-harvest losses, and empowering fishing communities. By integrating modern cooling systems, fuel-efficient technologies, and AI-based tools, FAO is driving a transformation that supports the economic and environmental sustainability of the sector. (Newswire)

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In a bid to combat the escalating challenges posed by climate change, Sri Lanka has commenced the formulation of its first Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Plan. 

This landmark initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the country’s agricultural sector from the adverse impacts of climate change.

According to the FAO, Sri Lanka, with its tropical climate, is highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, consistently ranking among the top ten countries at risk of extreme weather events according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Projections indicate significant shifts in weather patterns, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increased frequency of extreme events, all of which have already begun to diminish agricultural productivity and water availability across the island.

Agriculture in the dry and intermediate zones is particularly vulnerable to the changing and variable climate due to climate change, with research projecting an average 10-12% yield reduction if appropriate interventions are not implemented to mitigate these effects. The CSA Investment Plan is designed to be a strategic and comprehensive blueprint for fostering agricultural development that is resilient to climate change. Through this plan, FAO specialists, including both international and national experts, will work closely with a wide range of stakeholders—including government bodies, the private sector, and academia—to assess national climate finance priorities and develop innovative investment mechanisms tailored to the unique challenges faced by Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector.

Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment and representative of the National Designated Authority, highlighted the significance of this initiative, “Sri Lanka’s vulnerability to climate change is a pressing concern, particularly for our farmers who are at the frontline of this crisis. The development of a Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan is a timely and necessary step to equip our agricultural sector with the tools and resources needed to adapt and thrive in a changing climate. We are committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.”

This investment plan will bridge the gap between farmers and investors, attract private sector investment for climate-smart interventions, and open new avenues for youth and young entrepreneurs. Mr Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka emphasized the importance of this initiative, “Climate change is not a distant threat—it is a present reality that is already affecting our farmers and our food security. The Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan will be a vital tool in ensuring that Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector can adapt to these changes and continue to thrive in the face of adversity.”

This workshop marks the first of several consultations planned as part of the CSA Investment Plan’s development process, reflecting FAO’s commitment to an inclusive, participatory approach that brings together all relevant voices in the fight against climate change. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is calling for urgent regional efforts to combat a rise in avian influenza (Bird Flu) cases across the Asia-Pacific region. 

The appeal follows a consultation of regional experts in Bangkok, supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Issuing a statement, the FAO said recent developments are alarming. After a prolonged period of minimal human infection, 13 new human cases have been reported in Cambodia, with additional cases in China and Vietnam since late 2023. 

The situation is further complicated by the emergence of a new variant of avian influenza, presenting new challenges for scientists, public health authorities, clinicians and communities alike.

Globally, the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus has spread more widely geographically than ever before, reaching as far as South America and Antarctica. It has also begun infecting new wild and domestic animals, including scavenger species, marine mammals, carnivorous domestic pets, mammals farmed for fur and recently, farmed ruminants such as dairy cattle.

While the Greater Mekong Subregion, Indonesia and the Philippines are facing heightened scrutiny due to their diverse ecological landscapes and limited biosecurity measures, other regions also remain at risk. Notably, Thailand and Myanmar have not reported outbreaks in years. India, Nepal and Bangladesh are currently battling avian influenza outbreaks.

“The recent surge in avian influenza outbreaks is deeply concerning,” stated Kachen Wongsathapornchai, Regional Manager of FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD). “Since late 2023, we have observed a rise in human cases and the virus spreading to new animal species. The emergence of novel A/H5N1 strains, which are more easily transmissible, increases the pandemic threat. Immediate, coordinated preventive measures are essential.”

Critical Actions for Member Nations

FAO emphasizes the urgency of a unified response. Member Nations must work together to implement comprehensive surveillance systems, including full genome sequencing, to track the novel virus’s spread and evolution. Building capacity for rapid diagnostics and bioinformatics is crucial for analyzing virus data. Enhanced cross-sectoral data sharing is vital for a holistic approach to disease management.

Governments, international organizations and the private sector must collaborate and share information transparently and in a timely manner to devise effective containment strategies. Strengthening biosafety and biosecurity measures in the poultry industry is imperative, including vaccination strategies and promoting good farming practices. Creating awareness among health providers and the public is essential to reducing the risk of transmission from sick or dead poultry to humans and ensuring that people with symptoms receive timely treatment.

With USAID’s dedication and support to building and strengthening resilient health systems and communities, FAO is working with 13 Member Nations and partners in Asia and the Pacific to strengthen animal health and One Health capacities, aiming to enhance prevention, detection and response to health threats at the human-animal-environmental interface. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has modernized farms and introduced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to over 600 smallholder vegetable farmers in Badulla, Monaragala, and Mullaitivu districts.

According to the FAO, the initiative focused on equipping targeted farmers with the tools and knowledge necessary to effectively adopt modern, climate-resilient approaches to agriculture. Emphasizing the adoption of GAP, participants were provided with agriculture kits tailored for a land area of 0.25 acres. These kits comprised essential components such as drip irrigation systems, plastic mulch, insect-proof nets, and Galvanized Iron (GI) pipes, enabling efficient resource utilization and cost reduction.

In addition, FAO facilitated capacity building through Farmer Field Schools (FFS), empowering farmers with the expertise necessary to achieve GAP certification. By utilizing extension approaches and organizing exposure visits to successful GAP farms, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of modern agricultural methodologies. Furthermore, smallholder farmers received cash assistance through the World Food Programme (WFP), helping them meet their food and nutrition needs during the transition phase.

The tangible outcomes of the initiative underscore its success. Over 71% of participating farmers have reported notable improvements in crop quality and a reduction in pesticide and agrochemical usage. Furthermore, the implementation of insect-proof nets has led to a decrease in pest infestations and diseases while also reducing damage from wild animals such as monkeys, peacocks and wild boar, thereby enhancing crop resilience and sustainability.

72% of farmers reported an increase in total income with over 24 farmers achieving profits exceeding Rs. 1,000,000/- in a single cultivation season and more than 150 farmers surpassing the Rs. 500,000/- mark. These figures underscore the significant economic impact of the programme. The initiative has also yielded significant environmental benefits with a 48% reduction in the average usage of chemical fertilizer per 0.25 acres of land.

This intervention is a part of a joint food security initiative, funded by the UN Sri Lanka SDG Fund. The Fund promotes innovative, catalytic, and transformative initiatives that align with the national priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027). It is supported by Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Peace Building Fund, and the Joint SDG Fund.

Celebrating the achievements of farmers across all three districts, an awards ceremony was held in Thanamalvila under the patronage of Australian Deputy Head of Mission Ms Lalita Kapur, Provincial Secretary of Agriculture Mr Upali Jayasekara, and FAO Assistant Representative (Programme) Mr Nalin Munasinghe. The event not only recognized exemplary achievements but also underscored the pivotal role of GAP certification in enhancing market demand and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.

Looking ahead, FAO Sri Lanka says it remains committed to nurturing agricultural modernization and uplifting farmers’ livelihoods, paving the way for a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. (Newswire)

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The Japanese Government has provided a grant of US$ 3 million through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries.

According to an FAO statement, the US$ 3 million initiative will bolster food and nutritional security and fortify resilience by establishing four community-operated mini hatcheries in Batticaloa, Mullaitivu, Anuradhapura and Monaragala districts, upgrading four NAQDA Aquaculture Development Centres and one community operated mini fish breeding centre to increase breeding and rearing capacity, enhance fingerling stocks in selected reservoirs, develop broodstock for breeding units and promote cage culture for seed rearing among fisher communities.

The one-year project will also provide 3 live fish transportation trucks to NAQDA to transport fingerlings, integrate digital technology into inland fisheries, and enhance the technical capacities of officers and fishers in the production, management, processing and value addition of inland fisheries. 

In his speech, Ambassador Mizukoshi stressed “Japan and Sri Lanka, both island nations, share a deep-rooted appreciation for the importance of fisheries in our economies and cultures. Recognizing this shared significance, Japan has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s fisheries development, particularly in the maritime domain, since 2023. With the initiation of this new project alongside our continued efforts, Japan is committed to strengthening Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, thereby improving food security and livelihoods.”

“Sri Lanka’s inland fisheries sector has historically been supported by the government, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy,” remarked Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries. “However, recent financial challenges have left the sector deprived of necessary resources, exacerbating hardships among inland fishing communities and rural populations. This project is a pivotal step towards revitalizing the sector and ensuring sustainable benefits for all stakeholders involved.”

The project aims to directly support approximately 3,000 inland fishers, 40 farmers engaged in mini hatchery operations, and 20 farmers specializing in fish feed preparation. Moreover, it is expected to have a positive ripple effect on indirect beneficiaries, including family members, consumers, producers of dry fish, and stakeholders in research and academia.

“Partnerships like these demonstrate the impact of collective action in driving sustainable development. At the United Nations, we are committed to fostering collaborations that empower communities and reinforce crucial sectors like inland fisheries. Through this project, we’re not just promoting food security and rural livelihoods; we’re also laying the groundwork for a resilient future for Sri Lanka’s rural communities,” said Marc-André Franche, UN Resident Coordinator for Sri Lanka.

“The significance of increasing inland fish production and ensuring the sustainability of the inland fisheries industry cannot be overstated,” stated Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka. “This project is not merely about enhancing food security; it’s about uplifting livelihoods and fortifying the resilience of rural communities, particularly inland fisherfolk. The development of self-sustained culture-based fisheries in selected reservoirs is not just necessary; it’s imperative for the betterment of these communities.”

FAO remains steadfast in its commitment to the successful implementation of this project, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on food security, livelihoods, and resilience in Sri Lanka’s rural communities. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Agriculture in a (US) $9.2-million activity to continue revitalizing agriculture in Sri Lanka by enhancing paddy productivity, diversifying crops on marginal land, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

Issuing a statement, the FAO said USAID is funding the four-year extension of support to Sri Lankan paddy farmers, which will benefit 10,000 farmers across four districts – Hambanthota, Vauniya, Anuradhapura and Kurunegala. FAO and the ministry will help farmers diversify use of 1,250 hectares of paddy lands during the Yala cultivation season to grow suitable cash crops. In addition, the activity will help farmers use resources such as water and fertilizer more efficiently across 5,000 acres of paddy. The funds also will help establish streamlined supply chains to ensure the timely availability of supplies and machinery to farmers at affordable prices.

The project builds on the United States’ 2022 donation of 36,000 metric tons of Triple Super Phosphate and 9,800 metric tons of urea in the midst of the country’s economic and food security crisis, which FAO and the ministry distributed to more than 1 million farmers.

“Our paddy farmers underwent significant challenges over the past few years,” said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera in expressing his appreciation for the commitment to revitalize the sector. “USAID and FAO provided essential fertilizer free of charge for more than 1 million paddy farmers in the country at a crucial time. This initiative builds on that support to continue ensuring increased incomes for the most vulnerable paddy farmers in Sri Lanka.”

“USAID is proud to continue our partnership with FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture,” said USAID Mission Director Gabriel Grau. “Our mutual goals for crop diversification and agricultural efficiency are a natural extension of our work to increase productivity of Sri Lankan agriculture and improve the livelihoods of smallholder paddy farmers.”

In remarks at the launch of the initiative, FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan called the partnership with USAID and the Ministry of Agriculture a “significant milestone in our commitment to continue to support Sri Lankan agriculture. By combining resources and expertise, we aim to bring about positive and sustainable changes for the farming community.” 

FAO and USAID emphasized their commitment to closely collaborating with the government of Sri Lanka and other key stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative. By fostering resilience and sustainability, the program seeks to contribute to the overall recovery of the agriculture sector, promoting increased yield and profitability for smallholder farmers. (NewsWire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over two specially designed climate-resilient fishing boats and 30 modified fish display stalls to the Ministry of Fisheries, in line with FAO’s commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.

Issuing a statement, the FAO said the SL20 and SL23 fishing boats, measuring 6.3 and 7 meters in length, were meticulously designed for coastal fishing operations in Sri Lanka. Adhering to FAO/ILO/IMO standards, these boats prioritize the safety of fishers and are built to be capsize-resistant and withstand the challenges posed by climate change, including more frequent and intense storms and cyclones. The designs of these climate-resilient boats are freely available through the FAO Fishing Vessel Design Database.

The design and construction of these boats were made possible through the generous funding of the Norwegian Government-financed FAO Trust Fund project on “Responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources for sustainable development,” with a cost allocation of approximately LKR 9 million.

In addition to the boats, FAO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, introduced 30 model fish stalls across 15 fisheries districts in Sri Lanka. These stalls, designed by the Cey-Nor Foundation under the Ministry of Fisheries, aim to minimize post-harvest fish quality loss by maintaining high-quality and safe conditions for fish retail selling.

A recent study by NARA revealed inadequate maintenance practices among most fish retailers in Sri Lanka. Outdoor fish stalls often display fish uncovered, without ice, in direct contact with sunlight and environmental hazards. The model fish display stalls seek to popularize retail selling stalls among fish retailers to maintain the quality of fish until it reaches the consumer.

The Minister of Fisheries in Sri Lanka Douglas Devananda expressed gratitude for FAO’s support, stating, “The handover of these specially designed boats and fish stalls is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of our fishers and improving the overall quality of fish in our markets. This collaboration with FAO signifies our joint commitment to the development of sustainable fisheries in Sri Lanka.”

Mr. Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “FAO remains dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and supporting local communities in Sri Lanka. The delivery of these boats and stalls exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the resilience of the fisheries sector in the face of climate change challenges.”

The climate-resilient boats and model fish stalls were handed over at a ceremony held at the Cey-Nor Foundation graced by Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, Piyal Nishantha, State Minister of Fisheries, Nalin Munasinghe, Assistant FAO Representative for Programmes, Indu Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, S. J. Kahawatte, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Dr. Dulan Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the Cey-Nor Corporation.

FAO, together with its partners, remains committed to advancing sustainable practices in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector, contributing to the well-being of fishers, and addressing the impact of climate change on coastal communities. (NewsWire)

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