FAO: Farmers and Fishers Key to Sri Lanka’s Cyclone Recovery

COLOMBO (News 1st); As Sri Lanka begins to recover from the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for urgent, targeted support to smallholder farmers and fishers, warning that their rapid return to production is critical for national food security and rural livelihoods.

“Cyclone Ditwah has brought hardship to many families across Sri Lanka, and our thoughts remain with all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods,” said Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

“Smallholder paddy farmers, vegetable growers, and small-scale fishers are among the most affected, with damage to fields, inputs, equipment, boats, and landing sites disrupting their ability to work at a critical moment.”

Smallholder farmers and fishers produce most of Sri Lanka’s rice, vegetables, and fish, and provide employment for a large share of rural households. Their recovery is essential not only for their own survival but also for stabilizing food supplies and rural economies.

FAO warns that if these farmers cannot replant during the current season or rehabilitate their fields before the upcoming Yala season, disruptions in paddy production could extend well beyond 2025.

Government figures indicate that 108,000 hectares of rice paddies, 11,000 hectares of Other Field Crops, and 6,600 hectares of maize have been fully destroyed.

“Providing assistance now, when it can still make a tangible difference, will help ensure these farmers return to production quickly,” Sharan emphasized.

FAO has already developed recovery proposals with the Government to support smallholder farmers and fishing communities.

The organization is leveraging satellite data from the International Disaster Charter (IDC) and bi-weekly cultivation data from the Department of Agriculture’s CROPIX platform to assess impacts. FAO will also reach out to nearly 5,000 farmers and fishers to better understand losses and needs.

“Agriculture and fisheries have consistently proven to be highly effective drivers of post-disaster recovery,” Sharan noted. “With coordinated and timely support, these communities will recover, rebuild their livelihoods, and continue to play their essential role in safeguarding the nation’s food security.”