COLOMBO
The political, economic and social upheaval has taken place in Sri Lanka due to the serious situation of a currency crisis. Furthermore, the collapse of this currency has resulted in a 100 per cent increase in food prices in two years. Amidst all this, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has sought support, The Island Online reported.
About 40 per cent of households in Sri Lanka depend on agriculture. And two in ten households faced a loss of income from June to December 2022. Island online English-language daily in Sri Lanka.
And moreover, the salary and income in the country are not able to cope, making it difficult to afford food. Furthermore, The Island Online reports that it usually takes about two years for Sri Lanka to recover from a currency crisis.
“Urgent action to provide farmers with quality seeds, fertilizers and pesticides will enable them to protect their livelihoods and feed their communities. It is also important to provide cash support to the most vulnerable farmers, pastoralists and fishermen so that they can increase their productivity. can be restored.” assets and fast-track their recovery,” said an FAO report.
Agricultural production is seen to decline from mid-2021. As the country is facing a major shortage of fertilizers and other essential production inputs; Cattlemen cannot access feed and basic veterinary supplies, and fishermen cannot access fuel for motorized boats, The Island Online reports.
The Island Online quoted President Wickremesinghe who on December 16 this year appealed for support from all, regardless of political differences. He emphasized that everyone should forget their differences and devote themselves to building the country’s economy.
He said that “There is a possibility of shortage of food grains in the year 2023. To deal with it, we have started a food security program. I suggest that the implementation of this program should be reviewed again in each divisional secretariat. Here you will get new data. can do. Accordingly, we are formally going ahead with the food security program.
This program will not end after 2023. We will continue to do so. Each political party has representatives in the local councils. But we all It has to implement this program simultaneously,” according to The Island Online report.
Wickremesinghe also mentioned that they have been able to provide essential fertilizers to the farmers. And with the success of the harvest season, they have a surplus of rice. However, he identified problems such as inadequate storage facilities.
“We are working to solve those problems as well. At the same time, we have also taken measures to control the price of paddy,” he said. As a result of these steps, the country can overcome the shortage of food grains and economic problems.
