FAO appeals for USS16.5 million to support Sri Lanka’s agrifood recovery after Cyclone Ditwah

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By Editor_1
Cyclone Ditwah struck at the onset of the critical Maha 2025/26 cultivation season, compounding its impact on the agrifood sector. Flooding inundated more than 129,000 hectares of agricultural land, affecting over 227,000 farming households. FAO said standing water, debris, siltation and damaged irrigation systems are delaying replanting, while shortages of seeds, fertilizer and access to machinery threaten irreversible production losses if urgent support is not provided -FAO

COLOMBO –The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched an international appeal seeking US$16.5 million to support early recovery efforts for livelihoods and food security among farming, livestock-keeping and fishing communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.

Issued by FAO Headquarters in Rome, the appeal follows what the agency described as one of the most severe climate shocks Sri Lanka has faced in decades. Cyclone Ditwah affected all 25 districts of the country, disrupting the lives and livelihoods of more than 2.2 million people. FAO estimates that over 1.1 million people are now in urgent need of food security, agricultural and nutrition assistance, amid vulnerabilities already intensified by prolonged economic pressures.

The cyclone struck at the onset of the critical Maha 2025/26 cultivation season, compounding its impact on the agrifood sector. Flooding inundated more than 129,000 hectares of agricultural land, affecting over 227,000 farming households. FAO said standing water, debris, siltation and damaged irrigation systems are delaying replanting, while shortages of seeds, fertilizer and access to machinery threaten irreversible production losses if urgent support is not provided.

Losses in livestock and fisheries have further deepened the crisis. FAO estimates that more than 37,000 cattle and buffaloes, nearly 16,000 goats and sheep, and around 475,000 poultry were lost due to the cyclone. Damage to fisheries and aquaculture infrastructure is estimated at between US$66 million and US$69 million, undermining both food availability and household incomes in coastal and inland fishing communities.

“This appeal focuses on early recovery interventions that are urgently needed to stabilize livelihoods and safeguard food production,” said Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “While the overall requirements for the agrifood sector to fully rebound are substantially higher, immediate early recovery support is critical to prevent long-term losses, deeper food insecurity and increased reliance on food assistance.”

FAO’s early recovery plan targets approximately 256,000 households, around 1.03 million people, across the Central, Eastern, North Central, North Western, Northern, Uva and Western Provinces. The US$16.5 million request reflects priority actions aimed at rapidly restoring productive capacity and protecting livelihoods.

Planned interventions include the provision of seeds, fertilisers and essential agricultural inputs to smallholder farmers; emergency animal health services, vaccines, veterinary kits and poultry restocking to safeguard livestock assets; and support for fisheries and aquaculture livelihoods through the repair or replacement of damaged boats and fishing gear. The program also includes cash-based assistance, including cash-for-work, to meet immediate needs, support livelihood restoration and facilitate debris clearance in areas where markets are functioning.

FAO said it is working closely with the Government of Sri Lanka, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation and the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources. The agency also co-leads the Food Security and Livelihoods Sector alongside the World Food Program and is coordinating its response under the Sri Lanka Humanitarian Priorities Plan for Cyclone Ditwah.

To date, FAO has received US$400,000 towards the appeal, leaving a funding gap of 97.6%. Without urgent donor support, the agency warned that hundreds of thousands of households risk missing an entire cultivation season, with long-term consequences for food security, nutrition and rural resilience.

-ENCL

Editor_1
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