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Surviving a looming famine

31 May 2022

  • Consumers divided on whether to grow, stockpile, or cut down on food
BY Sumudu Chamara In a context where the Government has warned of a possible food shortage and the people are already experiencing high food prices and shortages of many essentials, the question many ask is whether Sri Lanka is about to be hit by a famine amidst the worst economic crisis in recent memory.  Even though the Government has pledged to address the said situation, especially through taking measures to increase food production in the coming farming season, its inability to obtain chemical fertiliser has raised concerns as to whether that is a practical solution. Even if food was available, whether food will remain affordable, are questions that the people have.  Panic buying  Overall, there is fear among the general public that a famine is imminent, and they believe that everyone must get ready to face a famine as soon as possible. They also believe that this famine, which they said would be felt by the country before the end of the year, would be worse than projected. In this regard, 33-year-old photographer Kanchana Perera (name changed on request), who said that he has stockpiled essentials for at least two months, said that everyone purchasing what they can is important. “I do not think that the possibility of a famine is new news or something that should be taken lightly. Members of the Government, including the Prime Minister, and also several experts have warned about this. Sri Lankan governments rarely inform the people of these kinds of adverse situations, and the fact that the Government warned the people of a famine is proof that it is most likely to happen.  “So I think that there is no need for more discussions as to whether a famine could break out. What is necessary is that we get ready to face it. I know that stockpiling essentials is frowned upon by many. But what other option do we have when the Government does not have a plan to prevent a famine, and when business folk are trying to take advantage of the difficulties faced by the people? At least now, the people should stop waiting for someone to do something for them, and do whatever they can to ensure their own well-being. This is not being selfish; this is more of a survival tactic.” He noted that growing vegetables and fruits should be a priority among all who have the resources to do so, while those who cannot do so should buy essentials and use them sparingly. Warning that those who have power and money will soon start hoarding essentials, he opined that ordinary citizens will be severely affected by the potential famine if they do not take precautions while they still can. With regard to farming, he said that every citizen should utilise every inch of farmable land that they have, and that it will be beneficial not only to them, but also to the country.  Creating a food shortage  However, 29-year-old private sector worker Chanaka Saman Abeywardena, was of the opinion that the people must refrain from panic buying, and instead, purchase only what they need for a week. He said that just because there are warnings of a food shortage, the people should not purchase everything they can get their hands on, and that the Government will take the necessary measures to prevent a food shortage.  “The Government has identified the issue, and I think that it will do something to prevent a food shortage. We have several months, and during that time, the necessary steps will be taken to ensure that the people have adequate essentials.” He stressed that buying more food than necessary would create a food shortage. “Look at how the fuel shortage worsened. Despite the fact that there were sufficient fuel stocks, the people started buying more fuel than they did when there was no shortage. The result was that the country had to deal with a fuel shortage, even though the Government released sufficient fuel. The same will happen if the people keep buying more food than they need, and they should be more considerate about others when buying essentials, especially food,” Abeywardena added.  Customers’ purchasing habits  Forty-nine-year-old store owner L.A. Attygalle, meanwhile, explained how customers’ purchasing habits have changed during the past few months. According to him, even though there is a fear among some customers about a food shortage, the amount of goods people buy has not increased considerably.  “People are willing to buy as many goods as possible, and that is obvious. However, most of my regulars are buying what they usually buy, and only a handful of customers purchase goods in large quantities.” Noting that the reason for this could be high inflation, he added: “How can people buy goods even if they wanted to? The price of almost every food item has gone up by two or three fold. In fact, some customers have reduced the amount of goods that they purchase. Some regulars who used to buy around 10 kg of rice at once are now buying around 2-3 kg at a time. The situation is the same when it comes to groceries.” He opined that warnings about a food shortage coming at a time when inflation has risen to an unbearable level is an unfortunate situation, and that Sri Lanka will soon have more beggars and thieves.  “When hunger hits, people will start begging and robbing, and daily wage labourers are likely to be affected more than others. In fact, several people who came to my store wanted to pawn various goods such as gold necklaces in exchange for food items, which I refused to do. I do not know whether they are stolen items or items belonging to those who wanted to pawn them. Regardless of that, if the people have come to a point where they see pawning their assets as a last resort to get some food, that shows the dire situation that the people are in, even though the famine we are being warned about has not occurred yet.” In addition, Attygalle spoke about those who purchase goods in large quantities, while adding that although buying more goods than necessary is unacceptable, he has to sell what the customers ask for.  “There were times when some customers purchased goods in large quantities. Although I had my doubts that they purchased goods to stock, if the required goods are available and are not in scarce supply, I have to sell the customers what they want.” He however added that since the supply of certain goods such as spices, dairy products, eggs, and meat is declining, Sri Lanka will soon have to ration these goods. Responding to The Morning’s question as to whether customers have reduced or increased purchasing goods they used to purchase in larger or smaller quantities, especially following the rapid rise in inflation, he added: “Customers have reduced buying milk powder and cheese, even when those products are available. Chicken and Maldive fish also do not have as much demand as before. In addition, most customers, even affluent ones, have started buying cheaper types of rice in larger quantities. Also, most customers have stopped buying non-essential products such as biscuits, chocolates, and soft drinks.” Having three meals According to some, the prevailing and expected food shortages have changed people’s food consumption habits as well. They note that while the cost of food has increased to an unmanageable level, since food is an essential good, they have to somehow ensure that there is food for all members of the family. Twenty-eight-year-old housewife Samanthi Sandamali, said that the time has come for Sri Lankans to start consuming food sparingly. She added: “My family’s monthly income is around Rs. 80,000, and there are four members in the family. Just four months ago, we spent around Rs. 35,000 for food. However, now, we have had to spend at least Rs. 55,000 for the same amount and types of food. We find it very difficult to manage these expenses.  “This would not have been a big issue if it was only food prices that have gone up. In a context where the prices of everything, including utilities, transport, medicines, and fuel, has increased, allocating more money for food is extremely difficult. To manage this situation, my family had to shift to cheaper types of food and cheaper alternatives. At the same time, we have had to use everything sparingly, and having a meal is no longer something middle class people like us can enjoy like before.” She opined that even though many talk about a possible food shortage and the importance of getting ready to face it, she is clueless as to what to do.  “We are struggling to make sure that our children have enough food to eat. Although we would have liked it if we could buy and stock more food, it is practically impossible. I am wondering how we will survive in the event of a famine, because, if such a thing actually occurs, food prices will further increase and the availability of food will further decrease.” In addition, 51-year-old self-employed housewife Ransi Fernando (name changed on request), said that even though people can buy and stockpile food items, that is not a practical solution. “We can buy food in large quantities and keep it for a month or several months at most. But, for how long can we do that? At some point, stockpiled food will run out, and we will have to buy them again at the market price.” In this context, she said, it is pointless to buy months’ worth of food, adding that it will only create a situation where those who purchase food items on a daily basis do not have enough food to buy. She also noted that if people started buying food in large quantities, manufacturers and sellers will try to increase prices unnecessarily, which she said will again affect those who purchase food for day-to-day consumption. According to 41-year-old construction worker Udaya Wimalaweera, the situation is such that many who survive on a daily wage are forced to try to save some amount of money by consuming less food.  “My wife and I have food only when we are hungry, and most of the time, we have only two meals a day. We have prioritised ensuring three meals for our two daughters. We understand our financial situation and the country’s situation. But, our children do not, and there is no way we can cut down on their food costs. We find it difficult to purchase sufficient food each day, let alone purchasing food to face a famine. What we experience right now is also a form of famine.” Even though the possibility of a food shortage, or a famine, first emerged when the Government announced a policy decision to ban chemical fertilisers, which severely affected the agriculture sector, with the recent economic collapse, food security has become a much more complex matter. While the people are considering purchasing more food, increased food prices and decreased food availability are hindering them from doing so. At the same time, even though home gardening has been proposed by agriculture experts, the people seem reluctant to adopt such measures due to various reasons.  However, in a context where food security is likely to be more affected in the coming months, every citizen has to fulfil certain duties for themselves and for the country. They are, using the available food sparingly, and considering growing at least a part of their food needs.


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