Farmers in Sri Lanka Grapple with Aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah

Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector is in turmoil following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact, leaving countless farmers in dire need of recovery assistance. The cyclone wreaked havoc on crops, damaged crucial irrigation systems, and plunged many rural households further into debt at a critical juncture when they anticipated a fruitful harvest.

Across villages in central Sri Lanka, rice fields that were flourishing are now submerged in mud and debris. For farmers like Kalanchi Dewage Risman, aged 55, the overwhelming destruction poses a significant obstacle. His two-acre paddy field was on the verge of a bountiful yield before the cyclone hit, and now he faces the daunting task of clearing, leveling, and replanting the land from scratch.

Replanting poses challenges, particularly since mid-December is not ideal for rice crops, often resulting in diminished yields. Simultaneously, Risman finds himself in the position of needing to borrow for machinery, seeds, and fertilizer, all while grappling with existing loan repayments from earlier in the season.

Having struck Sri Lanka in November, Cyclone Ditwah devastated essential agricultural regions that produce rice, vegetables, and maize. The tragedy claimed at least 643 lives, with over 70,000 residents seeking refuge in relief centers. Nearly 1.8 million farming families across the nation were impacted.

Government figures reveal that floods severely affected over 535,000 hectares of farmland, with 120,000 hectares either entirely destroyed or encrusted in mud and sand. Other crops, including vegetables and maize, also faced significant losses, heightening concerns regarding food supplies in the near future.

The destruction of irrigation systems further complicates recovery efforts. Heavy rainfall breached countless dams and nearly 2,000 canals essential for farmland irrigation. Without prompt repairs, farmers are hampered in their replanting efforts and in safeguarding their crops from additional risk.

In response, some farmers are banding together to share resources like labor and tools for field clearing and canal repairs. However, many express that their resources are limited, and without substantial government assistance, the road to recovery will be lengthy.

Moreover, the cyclone has left countless families homeless. Niluka Yaparatne, 48, lost her home due to a landslide that also claimed the lives of nearby neighbors. She and her family were forced to flee overnight and are currently residing with relatives. Finding a rental property close to her children’s school has been challenging, especially as rental prices have surged. Additionally, her family is burdened by a significant loan taken to build their former home.

Her husband’s paddy field was also lost, cutting off their primary income source. Local authorities have declared the region unsafe due to ongoing landslide threats, barring families from returning.

Experts caution that food prices could see a sharp increase soon. With food inflation around 3% in November, experts predict it may double quickly. Given the damage to rice and vegetable supplies, Sri Lanka may face significant shortages unless recovery occurs swiftly. Economists argue that farmers urgently need financial assistance for both lost crops and land rehabilitation.

The government has committed to providing compensation of 150,000 rupees for completely destroyed farmland. Officials have stated that more than 15 billion rupees will begin to be distributed shortly. Farmers are urged to replant by the end of December, with authorities optimistic that much of the rice crop can still be salvaged.

Yet, many farmers continue to feel apprehensive. For Risman, the cost of restarting his agricultural operations eclipses the compensation provided. He hopes to prepare his land adequately for the upcoming planting season in May.

Cyclone Ditwah has illuminated the precariousness of Sri Lanka's farming communities in the face of extreme weather. Without long-term planning and improved support systems, rural areas will remain vulnerable to each new storm.