FAO takes steps to address threat to food security in Sri Lanka

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said on Thursday that it is taking steps in collaboration with Sri Lanka to address the threat to food security caused by two consecutive seasons of poor harvests in 2021 and 2022.

The FAO said in a statement that with a nearly 40-percent drop in paddy production in 2022, Sri Lanka's rice ecosystem is vulnerable and requires immediate attention.

To combat this issue, the FAO has initiated an innovative project titled RiceUP, as part of which, FAO and its partners are conducting training programs for agriculture extension officers (AEOs) on integrated plant nutrient management (IPNM) in selected districts in Sri Lanka.

The training will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to guide paddy farmers on soil management and the optimal use of organic and chemical fertilizers to enhance crop yield while reducing chemical dependency, said the FAO.

By adopting IPNM and accessing urea fertilizer, smallholder paddy farmers can reduce costs and improve productivity, which leads to better profitability and resilience to future shocks, said the FAO.

Through the implementation of sustainable farming practices, including the safe and efficient use of fertilizer and quality seed, RiceUP aims to enhance productivity, food security and livelihoods in Sri Lanka's paddy farming sector, according to the FAO.