Food production records downward dive, children affected most

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The production of food has recorded a sharp dive, says the National Organization of Intellectuals in Colombo.

Speaking during the briefing, member of the organization Specialist Dr. Nihal Abeysingha said that the public continue to face issues with regard to purchasing food, and in turn, is affecting the level of children's nutrition within Sri Lanka.

According to him, grain production has dropped by 32.3%, the tea production in the country has reduced by 19.7%, paddy production has dropped by 15.6%, fisheries harvests have dropped 15.3%, animal produce by 13.6% and vegetable production by 13.2%. 

All above factors affect children's nutrition levels, and in addition, owing to the crisis, people are being compelled to eat only a single meal per day, he added.