FAO Appeals for US$ 16.5 Mn to Restore Sri Lanka’s Agrifood Sector post-Cyclone Ditwah 📈

The FAO has issued an urgent appeal for US$ 16.5 million to support early recovery for over 1 million people following the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah. With only US$ 400,000 received to date, a 97.6% funding gap remains. • Overall Impact • Affected all 25 districts, impacting 2.2 million people. • 1.1 million people are in urgent need of food and nutrition assistance. • Occurred at the start of the Maha 2025/26 cultivation season. • Sector Breakdowns • Agriculture: Over 129,000 hectares of land inundated; 227,000 farming households affected. • Livestock: Loss of 37,000 cattle/buffaloes, 16,000 goats/sheep, and 475,000 poultry. • Fisheries: Damage estimated between US$ 66–69 million, affecting boats and gear. • Recovery Targets • Aiming to reach 256,000 households (~1.03 million people) across 7 provinces. • Focus on restoring crop production (seeds/fertilizers), animal health, and fisheries infrastructure. • Implementation of cash-for-work programs to clear debris and restore local markets. The FAO warns that missing the current cultivation window will lead to long-term food insecurity and deeper economic vulnerability for the rural economy.