By: Isuru Parakrama
December 01, Colombo (LNW): In response to the widespread flooding caused by recent heavy rains, the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board (AAIB) has formed a dedicated team to evaluate the extent of damage to crops.
Initial reports indicate that approximately 390,000 acres of farmland have been severely impacted by the floods, threatening the livelihoods of many farmers across the affected regions.
Pemasiri Jasingarachchi, the Chairman of the Agricultural & Agrarian Insurance Board, announced that a specialised team will be deployed to the flood-stricken areas starting tomorrow.
The team’s primary task will be to conduct a thorough assessment of the damage to crops, which will be crucial in determining the scope of the losses and identifying the most effective forms of support for the affected farmers.
The heavy rains, which have plagued the country in recent weeks, have caused extensive flooding in key agricultural zones, particularly in low-lying areas.
This has not only resulted in the destruction of crops but also poses a long-term threat to soil health and irrigation systems, potentially disrupting the agricultural cycle for months to come.
Jasingarachchi highlighted the importance of the team’s rapid deployment to ensure a comprehensive evaluation, which will help inform decisions regarding compensation and recovery efforts for farmers who have suffered significant losses.
The board has assured farmers that every effort will be made to provide timely assistance and mitigate the effects of the flooding on their crops and income.
