FAO Launches US$ 300,000 Fertilizer Support for Cyclone-Affected Farmers 📈

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has initiated an emergency fertilizer voucher scheme to assist smallholder paddy farmers in the Anuradhapura District following damages caused by Cyclone Ditwah. • Overall Support & Impact: A total of US$ 300,000 (approx. LKR 94.5 Mn) has been allocated to support 3,489 smallholder farmers, including 1,686 women, to restore agriculture production for the upcoming Yala season. • Voucher Breakdown: The programme uses a digital e-voucher system—a first for FAO Sri Lanka—to provide flexible access to Urea, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP): Farmers (up to 0.5 acres): US$ 75 (LKR 23,625) Farmers (0.5 to 1 acre): US$ 90 (LKR 28,350) • Strategic Context: The initiative aims to safeguard the livelihoods of the farming community in Anuradhapura, a critical hub for national food security. By ensuring timely access to inputs for the 2026 Yala season, the program mitigates production losses from the 2025/26 Maha season. • Technical Capacity: Beneficiaries will also receive guidance on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to improve long-term productivity and input efficiency in the rice sector.