The UN Food and Agriculture Organization said it had assessed Cyclone Ditwah’s impacts on Sri Lanka’s crops, livestock, inland and marine fisheries, and aquaculture, and is working with the government to support smallholder paddy and vegetable farmers and fishing communities.

“We stand ready to collaborate closely with the Government, bilateral partners, and multilateral agencies to ensure that recovery assistance is evidence-based, climate-resilient, and directed at those who need it most,” Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, said in a statement.

Sharan visited affected communities in Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Puttalam and Chilaw.

“FAO also utilizes satellite data from the International Disaster Charter (IDC) and bi-weekly cultivation data on paddy, vegetables and Other Field Crops (OFCs) from the Department of Agriculture’s CROPIX platform, developed by FAO.

“These geospatial datasets were critical in the immediate aftermath of the cyclone, enabling a detailed and evidence-based assessment of the impacts.

“Many paddy farmers told me that with immediate support, particularly fertilizer and seeds, 25 – 30% of damaged land can still be replanted this season. Fisher communities expressed similar resolve, provided their boats, gear, and key landing infrastructure can be restored in time.”

He said FAO will also reach out directly to nearly 5,000 farmers and fishers to better understand losses to their livelihoods and assets.

“FAO in Sri Lanka has already developed a suite of recovery proposals, prepared jointly with the Government, to support smallholder paddy and vegetable farmers and fishing communities.

“Sri Lankan farmers and fishers have proven their resilience time and time again. With coordinated and timely support at this crucial moment, they will recover, rebuild their livelihoods, and continue to play their essential role in safeguarding the nation’s food security.”

Source-ECONOMYNEXT-Saturday December 13, 202