Smallholder paddy farmers receive Japanese boost

Eight districts to benefit

The Food and Agriculture Organisation has delivered 8,360 tonnes of urea fertiliser to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution during the forthcoming Maha season. Japan has provided funds required for the latest donation made through the FAO.

The following is the text of a joint statement issued by the FAO and the Japanese Embassy yesterday: “The essential fertiliser will be distributed to over 228,000 smallholder paddy farmers across several districts in dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, bolstering production and increasing the resilience of smallholder paddy farmers in the country.

“The assistance targets smallholder paddy farmers cultivating lands up to one hectare in the Kurunegala, Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa, districts.

“Under this emergency assistance programme, farmers, cultivating up to 0.5 hectares of land, will receive 25 kg of urea fertiliser free of charge, while those cultivating up to 1 hectare of land will receive 50 kg of urea, also provided at no cost to the farmers.”

The statement quoted Japanese Ambassador Mizukoshi Hideaki as having said: “We are delighted to be a part of this collaborative effort with FAO and the government of Sri Lanka. Our shared vision of empowering smallholder farmers, through sustainable practices, aligns well with this initiative. We believe this assistance will significantly contribute to the betterment of Sri Lanka’s farming communities.”

FAO Representative to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its dedication to assisting Sri Lanka’s farming communities, stating, “FAO remains steadfast in its mission to promote sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of farmers. This collaboration with the government of Japan and the Ministry of Agriculture exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved when nations come together to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.”

FAO, along with its esteemed partners, reiterates its commitment to supporting the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka and stands united in advancing food security and building a resilient agrifood system in the country.