FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/01 - SRI LANKA (4 September)
A prolonged severe drought, the worst drought reportedly in half a century, is affecting about 1.5 million people in 7 of the 25 districts in the country. The Hambantota district in the Southern Province and one of the poorest in the country is the worst affected followed by Kurunegala, Puttlam, Monaragala, Badulla, Ratnapura and Ampara but to a lesser extent. A rapid assessment of the situation in Hambantota district shows that about 55 000 families are suffering the consequences of the drought. Paddy is the main crop grown in the district, principally in the lowlands where both major and minor irrigation schemes are used. Other crops such as chillies, green gram, groundnut, cowpea and maize are also grown in both the low lands and highlands. Due to the severe drought about 14 355 hectares of lowlands and 53 000 hectares of highlands have been abandoned since the past Yala (dry) 2000 season. In the Yala season, crops are planted between April and May for harvesting in August and September. Even major irrigation schemes, such as Walawa and Lunugamwehera, are seriously affected. Damage to livestock is also reported. The population is also facing serious water shortages for drinking and other domestic uses. Certain relief measures, including the distribution of rice (50 kg/family) has recently been initiated by the authorities.
Rains are expected in the coming Maha (wet) season, when crops are planted between October and November for harvesting in March, but many of the affected farmers will not be in a position to secure the required inputs due to the lack of cash income.
As a consequence of the drastic drop in food availability and cash income for rural households, an adequate diet is not possible for a large majority of the affected people. A local FAO assessment to determine rehabilitation requirements of the affected farmers is being conducted at present. So far, no appeal for international assistance has been made by the Government.