FAO provides technical assistance for maize production, agricultural extension system and to minimize fisheries post-harvest losses

Support for maize production, agricultural extension system and to minimize fisheries post-harvest losses.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched Technical Cooperation Projects in Sri Lanka which are being implemented in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development.

An FAO Technical Cooperation Project titled “Support for capacity development of maize hybrid seeds supply chain” is implemented by the Department of Agriculture at the Field Crops Research & Development Institute (FCRDI) in Mahailuppallama, Anuradhapura. 

Maize production in Sri Lanka increased from 29,000 tonnes in the year 2000 to 351,000 tonnes in 2019, growing at an average annual rate of 16.73 percent. Yet the overall productivity of maize has not been adequate to meet the increasing local demand and consequently maize imports have been taking place. Approximately 98 to 99 percent of the hybrid maize seeds widely used by farmers for cultivation are imported. However, the Department of Agriculture (DoA) has already developed four local hybrids of which characters and yield parameters are comparable with imported hybrids. The use of local hybrid seeds among farmers are low, which is mainly attributed to the non-availability of local hybrid seed materials in required quantities in the local markets.  

The project focuses on refining technology for maize hybrid seed production at commercial scale in the country in order to up-scale production through private partnerships. Thereby increasing the availability of locally produced hybrid seeds, leading to higher productivity of maize crops; widely used in both the food and feed industries.

In a bid to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the agricultural extension system, FAO is extending technical support to the Department of Agriculture. The project is promoting sustainable e-agriculture solutions, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), establishing an IT Knowledge Hub at the DoA, and develoingp Crop Look Forecasting systems and seasonal weather forecasting platforms. It will also introduce crop insurance schemes for farmers, strengthen farmer organizations, set-up demonstration plots, establish community based quality seed production programmes,and establish One Stop Shop concepts. FAO is also providing technical assistance to conduct Training of Trainers (ToT) trainings on primary value addition for farmer groups, and strengthen institutional capacities and human resource development for the DoA.

The FAO is working with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development to minimize post-harvest losses in the fishery industry to ensure food security. Through the project, technical assistance is provided to the Ministry of Fisheries to modify two categories of existing multi-day fishing vessels by introducing new, enhanced refrigeration facilities to accommodate quality post-harvest practices. Post-harvest fish quality assessment and monitoring in fish hold and fish storage following modification of the fishing vessels will also be undertaken while fishers will be made aware about proper handling of fish to ensure quality fish landings. 

“We remain committed to provide technical assistance to Sri Lanka to develop the agriculture and fisheries sectors, enhancing productivity and income generation for those working in the agri-food system,” said Mr Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives.“When smallholder farmers and fishers suffer, we all suffer. Their livelihoods must be protected, made profitable and most importantly resilient to uncertainties such as the current pandemic and the impacts of climate change.”

The FAO Technical Cooperation Projects are aimed at strengthening food systems, and increasing income generation in the agriculture and fisheries sectors.