The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has called for immediate assistance to smallholder farmers and fishers severely affected by Cyclone Ditwah, warning that delays could threaten Sri Lanka’s food security well into 2025.

FAO Representative Vimlendra Sharan said many paddy farmers, vegetable growers, and small-scale fishers have lost fields, equipment, boats, and essential inputs, hindering their ability to resume production. 

Government data shows the cyclone destroyed 108,000 hectares of paddy, 11,000 hectares of Other Field Crops, and 6,600 hectares of maize.

FAO is working with the Government on recovery plans and using satellite data and cultivation assessments to identify impacts.

The organization will also gather information from nearly 5,000 affected farmers and fishers.

Sharan stressed that timely, coordinated support will help rural communities rebuild livelihoods and stabilize national food supplies