Land & Water

#WorldFoodDay: Making a dream, a reality…read the story of #FoodHeroes Sumith and Nisansala from the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka!


When Sumith Bandara and Nisansala Lakmali decided to start home gardening, they had visions of lump vegetables, juicy fruits and aromatic herbs nestled in a lush garden. On an abandoned plot of land adjacent to their home, the couple started the project with only a little bit space and a sprinkling of knowledge, but their visions took seed. Making their dream a reality, though, was not that simple.

In these Sri Lankan Central Highlands, FAO promotes sustainable land management through land restoration technologies and best practices. Land degradation due to soil erosion and decline in soil fertility are indeed major issues in these central areas of Sri Lanka, with 50 percent of agricultural lands degraded.

Behind all of our food, there is always someone who produced, planted, harvested, fished or transported it. In the run-up to World Food Day on October 16. We take the opportunity to thank these #FoodHeroes who, no matter the circumstances, continue to provide food for their communities and beyond - helping to grow, nourish and sustain our world.

Read the story of Sumith and Nisansala...