After Cyclone Ditwah, Sri Lankan Farmers Fight for Recovery

Sri Lanka's agricultural sector is grappling with a dire situation as Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc across the region, leaving countless farmers in dire need of assistance. The storm's ferocity resulted in the destruction of crops, impairment of irrigation systems, and a significant increase in debt for rural families hoping for a successful harvest.

In the heartland of central Sri Lanka, rice fields that were on the verge of flourishing are now overwhelmed by mud and debris. Kalanchi Dewage Risman, a seasoned farmer at 55, is among those who felt the storm's grip. His two-acre paddy field was poised for growth until the cyclone intervened, forcing him to start anew—clearing, leveling, and replanting.

The replanting process poses its own challenges. With mid-December upon them, late rice planting traditionally yields poor results. Coupled with this, Risman is compelled to secure additional funding for machinery, seeds, and fertilisers, all while trying to manage prior loans.

The cyclone's impact was felt in November, particularly in farming corners producing vital crops like rice, vegetables, and maize. The storm accounted for at least 643 fatalities and displaced over 70,000 individuals into relief centres, with approximately 1.8 million farming families facing adversity.

Government assessments indicate that floods damaged crops across more than 535,000 hectares, with over 120,000 hectares rendered completely unviable. Other field crops, such as vegetables and maize, have also seen significant losses, instilling fears about food supply in the near future.

The destruction of irrigation networks has compounded recovery efforts. Torrential rains compromised hundreds of dams and nearly 2,000 canals crucial for agricultural water supply. Without immediate repairs, farmers struggle to replant or secure their crops against further threats.

In certain regions, farmers unite, sharing resources and labor to restore fields and mend canals. However, many express that their means are stretched thin, and substantial government intervention is necessary for timely recovery.

Additionally, many families have lost their homes. Niluka Yaparatne, 48, recounts a catastrophe where a landslide took her house, impacting several neighbors as well. Now residing with relatives after a narrow escape, she faces the added burden of finding affordable housing as rental prices continue to climb. Compounding these challenges, her family is grappling with a significant loan taken for home construction.

Her husband's paddy field met the same fate, severing their primary income stream. Authorities have declared the area hazardous due to ongoing landslide risks, blocking any plans to return.

Experts alert that food prices may soar dramatically. Food inflation, sitting at around 3% as of November, could double if supply issues persist. With damaged reserves of rice and vegetables, Sri Lanka may confront severe shortages unless a swift recovery is achieved. Economists stress the need for financial aid to farmers to help them not only recover lost crops but also rebuild and invest in necessary supplies.

The government has vowed to provide compensation of 150,000 rupees for farms entirely destroyed. Officials report that distribution of over 15 billion rupees is set to commence this week. Farmers are urged to replant before the end of December, with hopes that a significant portion of the rice crop remains salvageable.

Nevertheless, uncertainty persists among farmers. For Risman, the costs of recommencing his farming operations exceed the compensation promised. He aspires to ready his land ahead of the next planting season in May.

Cyclone Ditwah has brought to light the fragility of Sri Lanka's agricultural community in the face of extreme weather. Absent long-range strategies, improved support frameworks, and enhanced disaster preparedness, rural areas will remain vulnerable with every new storm.