By: Isuru Parakrama
November 30, Colombo (LNW): The widespread flooding caused by the current adverse weather conditions has wreaked havoc on agricultural land across Sri Lanka, with Agrarian Development Commissioner General Rohana Rajapaksha disclosing the destruction of a staggering 338,446 acres of paddy fields.
This calamity has left 137,880 farmers grappling with the loss of their livelihoods.
The Northern and North Central Provinces have suffered the most significant damage, with reports indicating that entire regions, particularly in Jaffna, Ampara, Polonnaruwa, and Batticaloa districts, remain under water, making it impossible to assess the full extent of the destruction.
As the floodwaters continue to submerge vast areas of farmland, authorities are struggling to gather accurate data on the crop losses.
The Commissioner General explained that local agricultural officers have been unable to perform their duties due to the severe flooding in certain areas, which has hindered their access to Agrarian Development centres.
However, in regions where the floodwaters have started to recede, initial reports indicate that 101,035 acres of paddy fields, belonging to 46,674 farmers, have been completely destroyed.
Further, an additional 237,481 acres of paddy fields remain submerged, with another 91,206 farmers facing devastating crop damage.
Amongst the worst-hit regions are Vavuniya, where 23,930 acres of paddy fields have been destroyed, Mannar with 23,247 acres, and Trincomalee, where 20,865 acres of paddy land have been affected.
The vegetable cultivation sector has also borne the brunt of the extreme weather. Particularly in the upcountry regions, extensive damage has been reported, with crops such as potatoes and cabbage in Nuwara Eliya being completely wiped out.
This damage to both staple food crops and vegetables is expected to lead to further food shortages and rising prices in the coming months, further straining the already fragile economy.
Authorities are urgently calling for additional support and resources to aid affected farmers, with efforts focused on both immediate relief and longer-term recovery.
