Sri Lanka pushes for resilient, modern agriculture at Regional FAO Summit
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka has called for urgent action to strengthen resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, as it participated in the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC38) in Brunei this week, where ministers from across Asia and the Pacific convened to chart collaborative strategies to strengthen food security and build resilient agricultural systems.
Addressing the ministerial session virtually, Agriculture Minister K.D. Lal Kantha highlighted the need to transform the country’s agricultural sector in response to mounting challenges, including climate change, market volatility and food security concerns.
He said Sri Lanka is prioritizing efforts to boost domestic food production, reduce dependence on imports and improve the livelihoods of farming communities, amid ongoing economic recovery pressures.
The minister also outlined plans to modernize agriculture through digital governance, improved water management and strengthened value chains, alongside initiatives to support small and medium enterprises and promote export-oriented agricultural production.
Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to deeper collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization, emphasizing the importance of leveraging technical expertise, innovation and financing to accelerate agrifood systems transformation.
Opening the conference, Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah called for stronger regional cooperation to address growing food security challenges and enhance resilience in the face of global uncertainties.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu stressed the need for collective action, telling ministers that resilience must be built from within the region to ensure sustainable progress.
At a parallel senior officials’ meeting, W.A.R.T. Wickramaarachchi and other officials engaged in discussions on mobilizing investment, advancing science and innovation, and promoting inclusive agricultural development.
Sri Lanka also highlighted the need to strengthen value chains, empower women and youth in agriculture, and utilise FAO-led initiatives such as the Hand-in-Hand and One Country One Priority Product programs to support long-term sustainability.
The conference comes at a time of heightened global uncertainty, with rising input costs, geopolitical tensions and climate-related shocks placing increasing pressure on food systems.
Sri Lanka said it remains committed to working with regional partners to build a more secure, nutrition-sensitive and sustainable food future through coordinated action and strengthened cooperation.
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