FAO Sri Lanka

Japan and FAO Support Strengthening of Inland Fisheries in Sri Lanka with Handover of Upgraded Hatchery and Live Fingerling Bowzers

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding support from the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the National Aquaculture Development Authority of Sri Lanka (NAQDA), officially inaugurated and handed over the upgraded hatchery and three [...]

Sri Lanka Hosts Inaugural Public-Private-People Forum to Drive Climate-Smart Agriculture

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The inaugural Catalyzing Climate-Smart Agriculture: Public-Private-People Forum convened recently in Colombo, bringing together key stakeholders from the private sector, government, civil society, and international development partners to address pressing challenges in Sri Lanka’s agriculture sector through innovative climate-smart solutions.

The Forum, jointly organized by the Ministry of Environment and the Food [...]

FAO Introduces Innovative Technologies to Build Resilience in Sri Lanka's Fisheries Sector

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the government of Norway, has taken a significant step toward enhancing resilience and sustainability in Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector by handing over a multi-day fishing boat equipped with advanced cooling technology and a fuel-saving bulbous bow. This [...]

Sri Lanka Advances Climate Resilience with FAO's Initiative on First Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

In a bid to combat the escalating challenges posed by climate change, Sri Lanka has commenced the formulation of its first Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Plan. This landmark initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in [...]

FAO's Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Initiative Boosts Modernization, Elevates Farmers' Livelihoods

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Smallholder farmers report profits of over one million rupees per cultivation season from 0.25 acres of land after adopting GAP.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) modernized farms and introduced Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) to over 600 smallholder vegetable farmers in Badulla, Monaragala, and Mullaitivu districts.

The initiative [...]

Fuel Saving: Increasing Profits in the Sri Lankan Fishing Industry

Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka - This week, 28 multi-day fishing vessel owners, boat builders, and government fishery officials convened in Colombo to explore fuel-saving options for long-line vessels in Sri Lanka. “Increasing fuel prices have impacted the profits of fishers as well as fish prices for local consumers in Sri Lanka,” [...]

Japan Provides US$ 3 Million Through FAO to Strengthen Inland Fisheries and Improve Rural Livelihoods in Sri Lanka

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Japanese Government has provided a grant of US$3 million through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to strengthen inland fisheries and improve rural livelihoods in partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries.

The US$ 3 million initiative will bolster food and nutritional security and fortify resilience by [...]

Empowering Sri Lankan Paddy Farmers through Innovative Learning: Launch of Farmer Field Days and Nena Wagawa Digital Platform

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Polonnaruwa: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Department of Agriculture in collaboration with the European Union (EU), have launched a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the knowledge and practices of Integrated Plant Nutrient Management (IPNM) among paddy farmers across Sri Lanka. This initiative is [...]

As the world recovers from pandemic, and continues to combat climate change, forty Asia-Pacific countries unite for an agrifood systems transformation to ensure food security of future generations

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Forty countries from the Asia and Pacific region today agreed that transforming agrifood systems was imperative to providing food security for their children’s generation and beyond, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reported today. The summation was delivered at today’s close of the [...]

37th Session of FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific officially opens

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka: How to harness the potential of a dynamic region in transforming the ways in which our food is produced and distributed globally, while also tackling its own all-too persistent problems of hunger and poverty - these are the crucial challenges that ministers from across Asia and the [...]

Governments from Asia and the Pacific gather to review lessons learned from pandemic and environmental crises and transform agrifood systems for present and future generations

Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Government policymakers from across the vast Asia and Pacific region are meeting here this week to agree a pathway to reform their agrifood systems and accelerate recovery from pandemic and environmental crises, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), reported today. Government Ministers and Heads of Delegation from [...]

FAO's Director-General Arrives in Sri Lanka to Inaugurate UN FAO Conference on the Recovery and Reform of Agrifood Systems in the Asia-Pacific Region for Future Food Security.

Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka – FAO Director-General, Dr QU Dongyu, arrived on Sunday in Sri Lanka for a three-day visit to participate in the 37^th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific. Government Ministers and Heads of Delegations from as many as 46 Member Nations are gathering [...]

High-level international UN FAO conference convenes to guide recovery and reforms of agrifood systems in Asia-Pacific for future food security

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

A major multilateral conference opened today in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo which aims to transform the Asia-Pacific region’s agrifood systems, after multiple human and economic crises have set back progress to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those to end hunger and poverty and reduce inequalities (SDGs 2, 1, [...]

In Asia and the Pacific, civil society organizations and private sector prepare for inter-governmental discussions on transforming the region's agrifood systems for future food security

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Civil society organizations (CSO) from Asia and the Pacific are preparing for participation in a major multilateral conference aimed at charting a course for the region’s food security and agrifood systems transformation.

The CSO participation in FAO’s 37^th Session of the Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific [...]

FAO, USAID, and Ministry of Agriculture Partner to Continue Agriculture Sector Revitalization

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United States through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) have partnered with the Sri Lanka Ministry of Agriculture in a (US) $9.2-million activity to continue revitalizing agriculture in Sri Lanka by enhancing paddy productivity, diversifying crops [...]

FAO Delivers Climate Resilient ‘Unsinkable' Boats and Model Fish Display Stalls to Strengthen Fisheries Sector

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over two specially designed climate resilient fishing boats and 30 modified fish display stalls to the Ministry of Fisheries, in line with FAO's commitment to sustainable development and addressing climate change challenges.

The SL20 and SL23 fishing boats, measuring 6.3 [...]

Sri Lanka to host the 37th Asia Pacific Regional Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Sri Lanka has chosen to host the 37th session of the Asia Pacific Regional Conference (APRC) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to be held from 19th to 22nd February 2024 in Colombo. FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international [...]

6,000 Paddy Farmers to be Trained on Sustainable Cultivation with FAO and EU Support

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Department of Agriculture and the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka with funding from the European Union (EU) recently launched a Farmer Field Schools Programme to train 6,000 smallholder paddy farmers across four key rice-growing districts on sustainable [...]

Urgent Transition to Sustainable Agriculture Vital for Food Security in Sri Lanka, Say FAO, IFAD, and WFP

Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), marked World Food Day by calling for urgent action towards sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in Sri Lanka.

In a 2021 report by FAO and [...]

Capacity Building of Sri Lankan Boat Builders to Improve Safety of Fishers

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized practical training sessions for boat builders to improve the safety of small-scale fishing vessels in Sri Lanka.

25 boat builders of small-scale fishing vessels and inspectors of the Department of Fisheries were trained in practical boat building skills for fiberglass [...]

FAO Delivers 8,360 Tonnes of Japan-funded Fertilizer to Support Smallholder Paddy Farmers

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) delivered 8,360 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer this week to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution during the forthcoming Maha cropping season. This has been made possible through generous funding from the government of Japan. The essential fertilizer will be [...]

FAO Launches Training of 300 Agriculture Extension Officers Under EU-funded Project to Boost Sri Lanka's Rice Sector

Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Mahaweli Authority in Sri Lanka (MASL), is taking crucial steps, supported by funding from the European Union (EU), to address the threat to food security caused by two consecutive seasons of poor [...]

New Practical Guide on FRP Boat Repair Available in Sinhala and Tamil

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The latest practical guide published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) on "Fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) boat repair in the tropics," is now available in Sinhala and Tamil languages. This comprehensive guide aims to assist fishers in carrying out simple repairs of FRP boats, promoting longevity [...]

FAO and New Zealand Government Collaborate to Combat Child Malnutrition in Sri Lanka

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Through generous funding from the government of New Zealand, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is currently implementing a comprehensive programme aimed at addressing malnutrition among children under five in selected MOH divisions in Monaragala and Nuwara Eliya.

The initiative targets moderate to severe malnutrition among children [...]

Train the Trainer Programme Equips Fisheries Officers and Ocean University Staff to Enhance Safety Practices Among Small-Scale Fishers

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) successfully conducted the Train the Trainer Programme: Safety at Sea for Small Scale Fishers. The training, held from May 22nd to 26th, aimed to provide the necessary skills and knowledge in fishing safety to fisheries officers and university staff who [...]

FAO to support the Ministry of Health to enhance Sri Lanka's food safety policy through EU-funded BESPA-FOOD project

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) through the European Union (EU)-funded BESPA-FOOD (Best Standardized Practices for the Agri-Food Sector) project will support the government to establish a well-coordinated food safety system in the country. Through the 6.5 million Euro project, FAO will work closely with [...]

Ministry of Environment and FAO Join Hands to Tackle Environmental Challenges in Sri Lanka

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Sri Lanka is taking a significant step towards addressing its environmental issues as the Ministry of Environment and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) recently signed an agreement on the Green Climate Fund Readiness Initiative.

Sri Lanka is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate [...]

Food insecurity improves in Sri Lanka but prevails within specific regions

Mon, 29 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 17 percent of the population is in moderate acute food insecurity in Sri Lanka, especially in the Northern, Eastern and Central Provinces, indicating an improvement compared to 2022.

Food security in Sri Lanka is improving across all provinces, according to the Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission [...]

The Government of Japan provides $4.6 million through FAO to boost paddy production in Sri Lanka

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Government of Japan through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is providing USD 4,629,629 to strengthen the production capacity of smallholder paddy farmers in identified districts of the Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka.

Smallholder farmers are amongst the most vulnerable rural communities, predominantly cultivating [...]

China, FAO and Sri Lanka jointly launch a US $1.5 million South-South Cooperation project to strengthen Fruit Value Chains in Sri Lanka

Fri, 12 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) initiated a 1.5 million USD project via funding from China as part of the South-South Cooperation (SSC) programme, to improve the quality and value of Sri Lankan fruits in the global market by improving the production and commercialization of fruit [...]

European Union and FAO launch a four million euro initiative to improve efficiency and sustainability of paddy farming in Sri Lanka

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the European Union (EU) today officially launched a new programme to strengthen food security in Sri Lanka by boosting the productivity and sustainability of the paddy cultivation sector.

The four million Euro (approximately 1.5 billion rupees) initiative funded by [...]

FAO delivers 3,820 tonnes of EU-funded urea fertilizer for 72,200 smallholder paddy farmers

Mon, 10 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Through funding from the European Union (EU), a shipment of 3,820 tonnes of urea fertilizer procured by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture today, for distribution among smallholder paddy farmers and paddy seed farmers in Sri Lanka.

This new [...]

Sri Lanka successfully concludes the IHR-PVS National Bridging Workshop in February 2023

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The International Health Regulation and Performance of Veterinary Services (IHR-PVS) National Bridging Workshop was successfully concluded recently, with the participation of key stakeholders from the animal health, human health and environment sectors of the country.

The participants of the three-day workshop comprised of a wide group of stakeholders including officials from [...]

FAO delivers 36 000 tonnes of USAID-funded TSP fertilizer in time for Yala

Sun, 19 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

With funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sri Lanka delivered 36 000 tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture today for immediate distribution to all paddy farmers across the country. [...]

The Government of Sri Lanka, USAID, and FAO to boost rice-based ecosystem productivity and increase revenue for smallholder farmers

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is working together with the Ministry of Agriculture to increase the productivity and resilience of the rice-based ecosystems in the Dry and Intermediate Zones of Sri Lanka.

Seventy-five percent of [...]

European Union and FAO to provide fertilizers, seeds and training to the most vulnerable paddy farmers in Sri Lanka

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO: The European Union (EU) has allocated 4 million Euro (approximately 1,5 billion rupees) in grants for fertilizers, seeds, and training to the most vulnerable farmers, as a response to the agriculture and food security crisis in Sri Lanka. These funds will be implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization [...]

400 schools to receive Australian funding via FAO to build entrepreneurial school gardens to uplift the nutritional security of children

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

400 schools will receive funding from Australia via the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to build entrepreneurial school gardens in the North, Central and Uva Provinces to support nutritional security among children.

The entrepreneurial school gardens programme, implemented as part of a project funded by the Australian [...]

Modified Design for Multiday Fishing Boats Funded by FAO to Reduce Fish Postharvest Losses

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Fisheries launched a modified multiday fishing vessel at an event in Colombo to improve the quality of fish and reduce postharvest loss in the Fisheries sector.

Fish products are an important source of animal protein for Sri [...]

All Paddy Farmers to Receive Free TSP Fertilizer in 2023 Through USAID and FAO

Tue, 27 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Amount of fertilizer allocated per farmer displayed at all Agrarian Service Centers until 5 January

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), will distribute 36,000 metric tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) fertilizer to all paddy [...]

FAO and UNODC to Enhance Access to Skill Development in Correctional Facilities

Fri, 09 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

100 inmates to be trained on sustainable agriculture practices

COLOMBO, 9 December 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are working with the Department of Prisons in Sri Lanka to enhance the skills of inmates in [...]

United States and FAO Provide 9,300 Metric Tons of Urea Fertilizer to Paddy Farmers in Sri Lanka

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, 5 December 2022 - The United States officially handed over9,300 tonnes of urea fertilizer to the Ministry of Agriculture to distribute to more than 193,000 smallholder paddy farmers in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Monaragala districts. The fertilizer, procured by FAO with funding from the U.S. [...]

The United Kingdom Provides £880,000 Through FAO to Strengthen Food Security of Marginal Fishers in 9 Fisheries Districts

Fri, 25 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, 25 November 2022 – The United Kingdom through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is providing GBP 880,000 (USD 1,043,395) to strengthen the food and nutrition security of marginal fishers in Tangalle, Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Puttalam, Chilaw, and Mannar.

In light of World Fisheries [...]

FAO Hands Over 780.1 Tonnes of Urea to the Ministry of Agriculture

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Distribution to smallholder paddy farmers in four districts to commence this week

COLOMBO, 15 November 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) handed over 780.1 MT of Urea procured through the UN Central Emergency Relief Fund (UN-CERF) to the Ministry of Agriculture today.

15,619 farmers cultivating [...]

Smallholder Paddy Farmers in 8 Districts Requested to Update Details at Agrarian Service Centers Ahead of Urea Fertilizer Distribution

Fri, 11 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, 11 November 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding through USAID, is planning to distribute 9,300 MT of Urea to smallholder paddy farmers cultivating paddy on land holdings up to 2.5 acres in Jaffna, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Anuradhapura, Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Monaragala [...]

REPUBLIC OF KOREA INVESTS $1.2 MILLION THROUGH FAO TO STRENGTHEN SHRIMP AQUACULTURE SECTOR IN SRI LANKA

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, 08 November 2022 – The Republic of Korea through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is investing USD 1.2 million to strengthen shrimp aquaculture in Sri Lanka. The investment is part of a global project implemented by FAO in Sri Lanka with a total investment [...]

FAO, IFAD and WFP RENEW COMMITMENT TO STRENGTHENING FOOD SECURITY IN SRI LANKA

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO, 14 October 2022 – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), together with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), marked World Food Day at an event held under the auspices of the Prime Minister Hon. Dinesh Gunawardena [...]

US Ambassador Cindy McCain's visit to Sri Lanka highlights work on food security by FAO, IFAD and WFP

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO: The United States Permanent Representative to the UN Agencies in Rome, Ambassador Cindy McCain concluded a two-day official visit to the North Western and Central Provinces of Sri Lanka today. Accompanied by the United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, Ambassador McCain visited several projects of the Food and [...]

FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture sign MoU on distribution of essential fertilizer

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO: FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan and the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Rohana Pushpakumara, in the presence of the Hon. Minister for Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today regarding the beneficiary selection and distribution of fertilizer to paddy farmers in [...]

Food insecurity in Sri Lanka likely to worsen amid poor agricultural production, price spikes and ongoing economic crisis, FAO and WFP warn

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

An estimated 6.3 million people in Sri Lanka are facing moderate to severe acute food insecurity and their situation is expected to worsen if adequate life-saving assistance and livelihood support is not provided, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme [...]

The United States, in partnership with FAO, announces an additional $40 million to increase paddy production in Sri Lanka

Sat, 10 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

All Sri Lankan paddy farmers to receive TSP fertilizer

COLOMBO: The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced an additional USD 40 million to strengthen agriculture in Sri Lanka through the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The new funding, subject to Congressional approval, [...]

FAO and WFP warn of looming widespread food crisis as hunger threatens stability in dozens of countries

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Sri Lanka, West African coastal countries (Benin, Cabo Verde and Guinea), Ukraine and Zimbabwe have been added to the list of hotspots countries, joining Angola, Lebanon, Madagascar, and Mozambique which continue to be hunger hotspots – according to the report.

Norway and FAO to strengthen fisheries sector in Sri Lanka through responsible use of fisheries and aquaculture resources

Tue, 31 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with financial assistance from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) is providing technical support to develop the fisheries and aquaculture sector in Sri Lanka. This FAO-Norad global collaboration will work with the Ministry of [...]

FAO Food Price Index posts significant leap in March

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

War drives large increases in international prices for wheat, maize and vegetable oils

World food commodity prices made a significant leap in March to reach their highest levels ever, as war in the Black Sea region spread shocks through markets for staple grains and vegetable oils, the Food and Agriculture Organization [...]

FAO and the Ministry of Environment hosts Regional Conference on Biosafety 2022

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka - Sri Lanka, through its Ministry of Environment and in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), is implementing a project, “Implementation of the National Biosafety Framework (NBF) in accordance with the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety”, which is funded by the Global Environment [...]

New Scenarios on Global Food Security based on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Over the past two years, COVID-19 has presented many challenges to global food security. Today, what is happening in Russia and Ukraine adds another significant challenge. Russia and Ukraine play a substantial role in the global food production and supply. Russia is the world’s largest exporter of wheat, and Ukraine [...]

Asia-Pacific countries discuss ways of improving nutrition, lives and livelihoods in the wake of the global pandemic

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Dhaka/Rome – Ministers and high-level delegates from across Asia and the Pacific met today with a focus on improving nutrition, lives and livelihoods in the wake of the global pandemic, while taking aim at ongoing climate and severe weather-related threats, and tackling diseases and pests that are affecting crops and livestock [...]

FAO launches new Country Programming Framework for Maldives

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Malé, Maldives -  The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) QU Dongyu called on the Vice President of the Republic of Maldives, Faisal Naseem. The Director-General extended support to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including Maldives, to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 [...]

FAO Director-General QU Dongyu visits Maldives, spotlights the role of SIDS in promoting innovation for sustainable fisheries and agriculture

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Malé, Maldives – The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu arrived in Maldives yesterday on an official two-day visit to the Maldives, to reaffirm support and cooperation to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as the Maldives, to drive agrifood systems transformation [...]

Supporting Small Island Developing States for a sustainable future

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Malé, Maldives/Rome - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has placed Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the centre of its work to transform agrifood systems, because of their vulnerability to the climate crisis and other shocks and their importance in the protection of marine biodiversity.

Number of hungry in Asia-Pacific swells by more than 50 million since the arrival of COVID-19

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The state of food security and nutrition in Asia and the Pacific has worsened, as more than 375 million people in the region faced hunger in 2020, an increase of 54 million over the previous year, according to a joint report just published by the Food and Agriculture Organization [...]

Government of Australia and FAO partner to improve the nutrition status of families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with support from the Government of Australia is providing vegetable seed packs to around 46,000 vulnerable families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. This is to enable selected families across the island to improve their nutritional [...]

FAO and China provide technical assistance to strengthen fruit value-chains in Sri Lanka

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo – A project to provide technical assistance to improve the production and commercialization of fruit value-chains in Sri Lanka has been launched by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture with financial assistance from the People’s Republic of [...]

Finding greener, more climate-resilient ways of producing our food

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Agriculture offers innovative solutions to the climate crisis… for the globe and its own survival!

Schools without walls, improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Each morning Sujeeka Chandani heads out to her garden where she tends to the vegetables, herbs and fruits that she grows. Sujeeka takes a picture on her phone of a tomato crop in her home garden and shares it on the WhatsApp group of the Sithamu Ranliya Female Farmer Organization.

Sujeeka [...]

Agri-food system transformation must be at the heart of Sri Lanka's path towards sustainable development

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Agri-food systems are at the very foundation of human wellbeing and crucial to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We ignore them at our own peril. An agri-food system could be defined as everything between the journey of food from the farm to the table, and much more. [...]

Growing goodness. For people and environment.

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka - When Chandrika Kumari together with her sister-in-law, Nishanthi Sri Nissanka decided to start a vegetable cultivation nearly seven years ago, the two former housewives had to learn everything on the job while actively seeking knowladge related to agriculture. They started vegetable farming in a small [...]

Save food. Tackling the urban food waste challenge in Sri Lanka.

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Food connects everyone. People need it, depend on it, survive because of it and derive happiness from it. In fact, food is part of who we are as individuals and as communities. It’s part of our habits and cultures. Yet, an estimated 1/3 of all food produced globally is lost [...]

FAO provides technical assistance for agriculture and fisheries development in Sri Lanka

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 00:00:00 GMT

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

Colombo, Sri Lanka - The Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) launched the Sri Lanka Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs) at an event held in Colombo.

Country specific FBDGs are one of the FAO/WHO recommended tools [...]

Building resilient food systems in the age of pandemics

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Role of UN organizations on food security and value chain development in Sri Lanka come under spotlight.

World Soil Day highlights the role of partnerships to protect soil biodiversity, an essential component to ensure food security

Sat, 05 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Every year the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) marks World Soil Day on 05 December to educate and create awareness on the importance of soil and highlight threats and issues faced by global soil resources. Each year the World Soil Day theme is selected to highlight [...]

Antimicrobial resistance - What you need to know

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Get the basics, challenges and outlooks on this global health threat.

FAO and WFP calls for urgent action to strengthen food systems amidst the growing threat of COVID-19

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka– The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) join hands in calling for action to improve the food systems to help people better withstand shocks including the Covid-19 pandemic and prevent increasing malnutrition in the country.

Covid-19 has made many [...]

Innovative water accounting and tenure assessment for better water governance. Check out the new KnoWat website!

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The KnoWat project aims at strengthening water governance processes in Rwanda, Senegal and Sri Lanka through capacity building in cutting-edge water accounting methods using remote sensing backed by FAO’s WaPOR portal.

Sri Lanka observes the first ever International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste.

Mon, 28 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Setting our table to prevent and reduce food waste - from wholesale to households.

Colombo – On 29th September 2020, we observe the world’s first annual International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. This day highlights the importance of minimizing food waste and presents a call to action [...]

Nourishing families through home gardens in Sri Lanka

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Home gardens took on new importance during the COVID-19 crisis as a source of food and self-sufficiency for rural families

Sri Lanka highlights need for innovation and digital agriculture solutions at virtual FAO Asia-Pacific Regional Conference

Fri, 04 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo/Bangkok/Thimphu – Addressing the 35^th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC), Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage underscored the importance of promoting sustainable agriculture through innovation including digital agriculture solutions. He reiterated that the access to and dissemination of latest technologies and innovations is [...]

Ensuring Biosafety to protect Biodiversity in Sri Lanka

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Although biosafety is just one aspect to consider when it comes to safeguarding biodiversity in Sri Lanka, the country is doing its best to ensure biosafety with the technical support from FAO through the National Biosafety Project. This way, the valuable biodiversity of Sri Lanka will not be threatened even [...]

Countries in Asia-Pacific convene virtual UN FAO conference to plan responses and recovery work on twin pandemics of COVID-19 and hunger

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo/Bangkok/Thimphu - As COVID-19 continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across many countries of the Asia-Pacific region, it has led to setbacks in the fight to end hunger and malnutrition, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) announced today.

The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half [...]

Media Advisory: Sri Lanka among 46 FAO Member Nations in Asia and Pacific to chart a course for securing food systems and mitigating the effects of COVID-19 and climate change on agricultural sectors.

Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo/Bangkok/Thimphu: The arrival of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has had a great impact on agriculture and food systems in Asia and the Pacific, a region already beset by climate and weather related challenges, such as droughts and flooding.

Supply chains have been disrupted, demand has dropped for certain foods, resulting in [...]

More colour on my plate – more nutrients

Fri, 21 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

It is found that when some food is laid before them, people eat three times. First with their eyes, eagerly searching for colour and variation on the plate, secondly with the nose searching for familiar smells and also the wonderful aromas that come from the addition of spices and herbs [...]

Going back to our roots with the aid of the Food Based Dietary Guidelines

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT

This fascinating topic takes us to a timeline 40 to 50 years ago and before. The extended family was intact. So there were plenty of hands to share household chores and quality time to prepare food together from age-old recipes, to eat and to feed children. A number of curries, [...]

An introduction to the Food Based Dietary Guidelines

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

The current global health disaster COVID-19 (also commonly called coronavirus) pandemic, is an “important moment” to ask ourselves about the levels of immunity among individuals. These questions come in the form of “how come most people who are carriers of the virus do not succumb to the illness? While [...]

A dairy farmer driven by a will to serve

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Kandy - Dairy farming has been an important source of livelihood among the rural populations in Sri Lanka as it ensures a stable income throughout the year and acts as a cushion against income shocks arising due to crop failures. Since the dairy sector provides a large amount of organic [...]

Appointment of new UN FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT

ROME/BANGKOK: The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), QU Dongyu, has appointed Jong-Jin Kim as Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, effective 1 July 2020.

Mr Kim, a national of the Republic of Korea, has a long and distinguished career [...]

Commemorating World Food Safety Day – because food safety is everyone's business

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened awareness about the need for personal hygiene measures, such as frequent handwashing; however, World Food Safety Day (WFSD) is a good reminder that proper hygiene practices are always important when preparing and handling food.

This year, World Food Safety Day is dedicated [...]

FAO warns multiple impact of viruses, plagues and economic damage will fuel hunger in Asia and the Pacific

Fri, 29 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

28/05/2020 Bangkok, Thailand - While the world fights to slow the spread of COVID-19, the worst pandemic experienced in a century, countries in South Asia are simultaneously responding to plagues of locusts, cyclones and a deadly livestock disease, all of which threaten to worsen hunger and the livelihoods of millions of [...]

Tea: a love that has stood the test of time

Tue, 19 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

In a world of cultural differences, is there one thing that can bind everyone together? Well, we all need to eat. Drink too, in fact. Interestingly enough, the drink most often chosen around the world after water, is tea. It is loved by millions from India to England, Afghanistan to [...]

Global food commodity prices drop further in April

Thu, 07 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT

07 May 2020, Rome - World food commodity prices declined for the third month in a row during April, as the economic and logistical impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significant contractions in demand for many commodities.

The FAO Food Price Index, which tracks international prices of the most commonly-traded [...]

Mitigating impacts of COVID-19 on food trade and markets

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Joint Statement by QU Dongyu, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Roberto Azevedo, Directors-General of FAO, WHO and WTO

31 March 2020, Rome/Geneva - Millions of people around the world depend on international trade for their food security and livelihoods. As countries move to enact measures aiming to halt the accelerating COVID-19 pandemic, care [...]

Q&A: COVID-19 pandemic – impact on food and agriculture

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Q1: Will COVID-19 have negative impacts on global food security?

Don't let COVID19 become a hunger game

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Authored by QU Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

The COVID-19 pandemic is putting enormous strains on the public health systems around the world, and millions of people in the world’s most advanced economies are in some form of quarantine.

We know the human toll will [...]

FAO and Government representatives meet in Colombo ahead of a major regional conference on food and agriculture

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo – FAO hosted the first national level consultation with representatives from the Sri Lankan Government ahead of the 35^th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific (APRC 35). The APRC is an official forum where Ministers of Agriculture and other high-ranking officials from all Member [...]

Two staff members from FAO Sri Lanka among 100 Excellent Employees and 100 Best Young Employees

Mon, 23 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - An FAO first, the Employee Recognition Initiative was launched by the FAO Director General this year to celebrate the diversity of FAO employees and of their contribution to the work of the Organization around the world. The Employee Recognition Initiative showcases some of the numerous instances of team spirit, [...]

FAO marks 40 years of representation in Sri Lanka

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reinforced its commitment to partner with the Government of Sri Lanka and stakeholders towards realizing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Marking 40 years of its Representation in Sri Lanka, FAO underscored how food and agriculture lies at [...]

FAO scales up fight against Fall Armyworm

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO launched today a three-year Global Action for Fall Armyworm Control to scale up efforts to curb the growing spread of the invasive pest which is causing serious damage to food production and affecting millions of farmers across the world.

Fall Armyworm (FAW), a crop pest native to the Americas, [...]

Strengthening agro-meteorological services to increase the resilience of smallholder farmers to climate variabilities

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Kandy - Sri Lanka was one of the first countries in the world to obtain technical assistance from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to develop a National E-agriculture Strategy.

The Department of Agriculture (DoA) together with the Ministry of [...]

Knowing water better

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo -  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a new global project to enhance Sri Lanka’s water governance and management processes to address water scarcity and increased competition for water resources.

The project “Knowing water better: Towards fairer and more sustainable access [...]

Unleashing the potential for Geographical Indications in Sri Lanka

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo -  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Primary Industries and Social Empowerment of Sri Lanka have launched a project aiming to establish a national system for Geographical Indications (GIs).

GIs help consumers identify food and other products originating in [...]

Public awareness, key to ensuring biosafety in Sri Lanka

Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - Public awareness on Biosafety is an integral part of the implementation of the National Biosafety Framework in Sri Lanka. Participation of the general public is part of decision making when it comes to releasing genetically modified organisms into the environment and for human consumption. Article 23 of [...]

World Food Day 2019: Our actions are our future. Healthy diets for a zero hunger world

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations have highlighted the need to step up efforts to end malnutrition, and ensure food security and healthy diets for all. The two UN agencies call on all sectors, the government, public [...]

FAO, IFAD and WFP directors reaffirm commitment to RBA collaboration for South-South and triangular cooperation

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT

ROME, ITALY – The directors responsible for South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) at the three United Nations Rome-Based Agencies (RBAs) met at FAO headquarters to discuss collaborative strategies to leverage SSTC for sustainable development. The directors, Shengyao Tang (FAO), Ron Hartman (IFAD), Wei Wang (IFAD), and David Kaatrud (WFP), as well [...]

FAO and the Ministry of Megapolis and Western Development launch project on food waste reduction in Sri Lanka. Join in!

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka - Food waste is a global challenge. Rapid urbanization, expansion of retail chains, and changes in diets and lifestyles are usually identified as the key drivers for food waste generation. Data for Sri Lanka is still scarce on food waste. However, a 2016 study reports that 63.6% of [...]

Food Safety is everyone's business. Sri Lanka joins the world in observing the inaugural World Food Safety Day

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka - The first ever United Nations World Food Safety Day was marked in Colombo by the Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The national event which took [...]

Exploration and utilization of native natural enemies for FAW management

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

In Sri Lanka, farmers have begun cultivating in the Yala season. But for maize farmers the severe damage caused to their crops due to the Fall Armyworm (FAW) infestation during the Maha season, particularly from November – December last year is still fresh in their minds. Alarmed by the heavy [...]

Xuebing Sun assumes duties as the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Mr. Xuebing Sun presented his credentials to Mr. Tilak Marapana, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as the new Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Sri Lanka, at the Ministry premises on Monday, 10^th June.

Mr. Sun is a [...]

Go Fish! – But, please, do so legally

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 GMT

The people of Sri Lanka love fish and both demand and consumption of fish is on the rise. On the one hand that’s good, because fish is high in protein and low in fat and that helps to feed a hungry world while providing livelihoods for hundreds of millions of [...]

Fall Armyworm does not spell end of local agriculture, sustainable simple solutions abound

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - The breakout of Fall Armyworm in Sri Lanka wreaked panic amongst agricultural communities all over the island, however UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Plant Production and Protection Division Fall Armyworm Principal Technical Coordinator Allan Hruska says there’s no need to panic, albeit the pest is here to [...]

Sri Lanka's Dinuga de Silva wins World Food Day 2018 Global Poster Contest

Wed, 27 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo: Dinuga de Silva, a 5 year old pre-school student from Sri Lanka won first place at the World Food Day 2018 Global Poster Contest. The poster contest is held annually by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to coincide with World Food [...]

The biodiversity that is crucial for our food and agriculture is disappearing by the day

Fri, 22 Feb 2019 00:00:00 GMT

FAO launches the first-ever global report on the state of biodiversity that underpins our food systems.

22 February 2019, Rome - The first-ever report of its kind presents mounting and worrying evidence that the biodiversity that underpins our food systems is disappearing – putting the future of our food, livelihoods, health and [...]

Norway and FAO welcome findings of the Nansen survey

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and Institute of Marine Research, Norway (IMR) held an event to launch the main research findings of the survey carried out by the Norwegian Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in Sri Lanka in 2018.

Norwegian Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen successfully completed [...]

FAO Statement on Fall Armyworm in Sri Lanka

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo - The Fall Armyworm (FAW) or Spodoptera frugiperda has been reported in all major maize growing areas in Sri Lanka and is also affecting sugarcane cultivation. There is a growing concern that it may affect other crops, including rice.

Native to the Americas, FAW was first detected in Central and [...]

New FAO-China South-South Cooperation Project Launched to Strengthen Fruit Value Chain in Sri Lanka

Fri, 07 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

6 December 2018, Rome. The signing ceremony of the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Tripartite Agreement between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the People’s Republic of China, and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka took place at FAO headquarters on 6 December 2018. The aim of this [...]

Soil Pollution: a danger lurking beneath our feet

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Soils are where it all begins. A silent ally for food production, soils are where 95 percent of food is produced globally. Therefore the preservation of healthy soils is essential for future food production. The healthier the soil is, the better the crop will be.

Healthy soils can sequester more carbon, [...]

Polluting our soils is polluting our future

Wed, 28 Nov 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Soil is a finite resource, meaning its loss and degradation is not recoverable within a human lifespan. Soils affect the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, our health and the health of all organisms on the planet. Without healthy soils we wouldn’t be able to [...]

A Fish Processor from the Maldives receives the FAO Model Farmer Award 2018

Fri, 19 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Bangkok, Thailand – As countries around the world wrap up a week of observances in relation to World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Asia-Pacific region has convened a special ceremony to mark the achievements of farmers, fishers and pastoralists and their [...]

Our Actions are Our Future. A #ZeroHunger and nutritious Sri Lanka by 2030 is possible

Wed, 17 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) today kicked off World Food Day 2018 under the patronage of His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, in line with the global theme: ‘Our Actions [...]

World Food Day calls for greater commitment at global and national level

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Sri Lanka, Nina Brandstrup and the UN's World Food Programme (WFP) Sri Lanka Country Director Brenda Barton spoke to the Daily News newspaper on World Food Day.

Q. Why do you think is important to mark the World [...]

FAO spotlights female farmer constraints

Sun, 14 Oct 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Business Observer spoke to three key FAO officials - FAO Representative, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Nina Brandstrup, Gender Officer, FAO Regional Office, Asia and the Pacific, Clara Park and Gender and Development Consultant, FAO Social Policies and Rural Institutions (ESP) Division, Rome, Francesca Distefano - on the launch [...]

FAO calls for urgent action to mainstream gender in agriculture policy in Sri Lanka

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Colombo, Sri Lanka –   An extensive gender gap in the food and agriculture sector prevails in Sri Lanka despite women constituting a significant portion of the agricultural labour force, according to the Country Gender Assessment of the Agriculture and Rural Sector in Sri Lanka released by [...]

From Impoverished to Empowered. Sri Lankan Women Adopt Modern Biomass Technologies

Sun, 12 Aug 2018 00:00:00 GMT

In developing countries some 2.5 billion people are forced to rely on biomass—fuelwood, charcoal and animal dung—to meet their energy needs. These people are energy poor, in that they have an absence of choice in the energy they access or use in their daily lives. Therefore, biomass plays an enormously [...]

Protecting and sustainably managing the planet's forests is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Rome, Italy - Senior government officials from around the world today gathered at FAO to focus on ways to step up global efforts in the forestry sector aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) and the Paris Agreement on climate change.

"Urgent action is needed to sustain and preserve the [...]

The Nansen Research Vessel arrives in Colombo to promote sustainable fisheries

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Currently, the most advanced research vessel in the world, the Dr Fridtjof Nansen arrived in Colombo to conduct surveys on fisheries resources and the marine ecosystem. The survey, starting in Colombo on 24 June 2018 will cover the continental shelf and upper slope of Sri Lanka until 16 July 2018. [...]

Bay of Bengal fisheries and environment management project re-energized with US$ 15 million from GEF

Mon, 25 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Da Nang, Viet Nam - The Global Environment Facility (The GEF) has approved US$ 15 million in funding to assist continued management of the large marine ecosystem in the Bay of Bengal in order to help sustain ecosystem services for the benefit of the coastal populations and countries.

The ultimate [...]

Global tea consumption and production driven by robust demand in China and India

Mon, 28 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Global tea consumption and production are projected to keep rising over the next decade, driven by robust demand in developing and emerging countries. This will create new rural income opportunities and improve food security in tea-producing countries, according to a new report released today.

Tea consumption has grown particularly rapidly in China, [...]

Changing with the weather - Promoting climate-smart agriculture in the Maldives

Mon, 28 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Climate change is affecting the lives of people, mostly farmers who rely on the weather for agriculture. Millions of low-income smallholder producers across the globe are the most exposed to droughts, floods and other extreme weather events. Smallholder farmers in Maldives are no exception. Equipping farmers with knowledge and methods [...]

Sri Lanka among Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems

Thu, 19 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A Sri Lankan agrarian system, the “ellanga gammana” or Cascaded Tank-Village system in the Dry Zone, was designated as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The Cascaded Tank-Village System in Sri Lanka was recognized at the International [...]

Implementing Biosafety for safe use of Genetically Modified Organisms in Sri Lanka

Thu, 29 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Considering the latest advancements in the field of biotechnology and the significant benefits of this technology in agriculture and healthcare, it is imperative that we consider the products of modern biotechnology, commonly known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs), at a broader level.

From human insulin to drought-resistant plants, modern biotechnology has [...]

A recipe for change

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hosted a two day seminar in Colombo ' A recipe for change – Improving nutrition through agriculture and food systems in Sri Lanka.' The seminar focused on creating wider awareness on the current nutrition [...]

Nature for Water – World Water Day 2018

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March as World Water Day, focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. This year’s theme, Nature for Water, explored how nature can be used to overcome the water challenges of the 21^st century.

In Sri [...]

Stepping up efforts in Asia to prevent a re-emergence of the rinderpest

Wed, 21 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Veterinary officers, animal health experts and scientists from 12 countries in the Asian region converged in Colombo to renew commitments and take action against any possible outbreak of the rinderpest, a highly contagious disease that, throughout history, has killed millions of livestock. Over 30 experts attended a Rinderpest Tabletop Exercise [...]

Successes and achievements in Moneragala District

Mon, 05 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations component in the implementation of the European Union Support to District Development Programme (EU-SDDP) is nearing its successful completion this May, 2018. The Programme helped low income-earners in the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka by providing basic infrastructure and services [...]

Sri Lanka secures top honors at the World Food Day Global Poster Contest

Mon, 05 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A submission from Sri Lanka was placed third at the Global Poster Contest which is held annually to coincide with World Food Day (WFD) 2017. A poster titled “Zero Hunger: Happy Villagers” submitted by Ms. Rithini Perera from Sri Lanka was awarded third prize in the 5 – 8 Years [...]

New FAO Country Programming Frameworks for Sri Lanka and the Maldives launched

Fri, 19 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

CPF for Sri Lanka sets the path for FAO to transition towards more upstream assistance

Minister of Agriculture, Mr Duminda Dissanayaka on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka, and the Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for Sri Lanka, Ms Nina Brandstrup, have signed the new [...]

National Consultation on Risk-Based Food Import Control

Fri, 08 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Food products have been the third most valuable commodity group traded internationally, according to the report of the International Trade Statistics 2014 published by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Many countries, including developing countries, import significant a proportion of their food supplies. In order for Sri Lanka to develop an [...]

Caring for the planet starts from the ground: World Soil Day observed in the central highlands

Thu, 07 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT

World Soil Day is held annually in December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and advocating for the sustainable management of soil resources. In Sri Lanka, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) observed World Soil Day in the central highlands, [...]

Biomass Energy Terminal inaugurated in Homagama

Fri, 17 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Promoting Sustainable Biomass Production and Modern Bio-Energy Technologies

The first formal biomass energy terminal of Sri Lanka was inaugurated in Homagama, Colombo on 08 November 2017 by the Hon. Ajith P. Perera, Deputy Minister of Power and Renewable Energy.

By 2017, this joint UNDP-FAO project has helped the Government of Sri [...]

Competing interests need to collaborate to help restore Asia-Pacific's forests or risk missing 2030 sustainable development targets

Wed, 25 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The forestry sector across Asia and the Pacific must collaborate with a wider range of stakeholders if countries in the region are to meet key targets of the world’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the Asia-Pacific Forestry Commission meeting here this week.

Landscape management or landscape approaches – terms used [...]

World Food Day : Change the future of migrations. Invest in rural development and food security

Thu, 19 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Migration Agency (IOM), today urged attention to the pressing issues that cause people to migrate, particularly those living in rural areas, and called for action and investments towards improved [...]

Making migration a choice: investing in food security and rural development

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A Joint National Op-ed for World Food Day 2017

By Brenda Barton, Nina Brandstrup and Giuseppe Crocetti

Migration is at the forefront of global debates on the directions of social and economic development. Yet, migration has been central to human evolution since humankind walked the planet and is deeply rooted in our [...]

World Food Day 2017

Mon, 16 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

World Food Day 2017, marked annually on 16 October is akin to the national day of FAO and is observed this year together with WFP and IOM under the theme: Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development.

In Sri Lanka, a panel discussion will take place [...]

FAO's FTT-Thiaroye fish processing technique makes waves in Sri Lanka

Tue, 10 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT

“We are so happy with our FTT-Thiaroye ovens that we wish women fish operators throughout the African continent could take advantage of the same benefits,” said Micheline Dion, President of the Côte d'Ivoire National Union of Women in Fisheries Societies, in June 2014, in an interview during a headquarters-based committee [...]

President declares open the Agriculture In-Service Training Institute in Batticaloa

Thu, 31 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Marking a milestone in the agricultural sector in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, the Agriculture In-Service Training Institute (ISTI) was declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena in Batticaloa yesterday. The ISTI was reconstructed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) with funding [...]

FAO training on Fisheries Law and Prosecution - to prevent, deter and eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU fishing)

Wed, 23 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In 2016 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Government of Sri Lanka agreed to a project focussed on capacity building to combat Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing (IUU fishing). IUU fishing contributes to overfishing and the depletion of fish stocks, undermines sustainable fisheries management, [...]

FAO and the Ministry of Education support school garden initiative for better nutrition in Sri Lanka

Wed, 05 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) together with the Ministry of Education hosted a ceremony on Tuesday, 4 July 2017 at Wijerama Maha Vidyalaya in Udahamulla, Nugegoda to highlight the importance of school gardens for child nutrition and life skills. The event took place in [...]

Sri Lanka's first marine finfish hatchery established in Batticaloa

Fri, 30 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Sri Lanka’s first Multi-Species Marine Finfish Hatchery was inaugurated in Tharmapuram, Batticaloa to facilitate the development of marine finfish farming, and produce sufficient amounts of marine fish to meet the demands of the national and international markets. The hatchery was ceremonially declared open by Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources [...]

The improved Kanchikudichcharu irrigation scheme, a boon for farmer families

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Located in Thirukkovil, in the Ampara district, the Kanchikudichcharu Irrigation Scheme is intertwined with the lives of farmer families who irrigate their paddy lands with the waters of the tank in both the Maha (rainy) and Yala (dry) seasons. However due to three decades of conflict, the irrigation scheme was [...]

Sri Lanka's food production hit by extreme drought followed by floods

Fri, 23 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Rice production to drop by nearly 40 percent in 2017 - assisting farmers is critical to halt growing food insecurity

22 June 2017, Rome – A severe drought followed by heavy rainfalls in Sri Lanka has hit large swaths of cropping areas, threatening the food security of some 900,000 [...]

Fueling Innovation

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

In Maligawila in Monaragala, members of a women’s society are on an exposure visit conducted by the area veterinary officer regarding rearing dairy cattle. The group is visiting the farm belonging to Saranga Rajasinghe, a paddy and chena farmer who is now combining agriculture with dairy as his main sources [...]

Conduits of Change

Mon, 19 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

A market stall of dreams

It is 5.30 in the morning and 35-year-old Hilda Diles is the first one up. She prepares breakfast before heading to her family’s cultivation site located a few meters away from her home in Pandiwirichchan in Mannar. Hilda irrigates the brinjal, cassava, chilli, banana and mango [...]

FAO's Agro-Economic Development Project supporting gender equality in Killinochchi

Tue, 13 Jun 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Government of Canada has provided a grant of 6 Million Canadian Dollars to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for the Agro-Economic Development Project (ADP) which aims to improve crop and livestock production in Kilinochchi. The assistance of FAO specifically pays attention to promoting gender [...]

Sri Lanka Hosts Forestry Leaders from Asia and the Pacific in Charting Ways for Ending Poverty through Forestry

Fri, 19 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Ending poverty by 2030 on our planet is a global agenda. Not many people would readily think forests can contribute to this agenda. People tend to look at manufacturing and service sectors such as tourism as the main vehicles for poverty reduction. But forests can play an important role in [...]

Inauguration of agriculture training center in Mahawilachchiya to benefit 3000 families

Mon, 08 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The renovated Agriculture Training Center and Agriculture Instructor’s Office located in Pemaduwa, Mahawilachchiya in the Anuradhapura district was inaugurated recently by the Director of Agriculture (Extension and Training) Mr. S.A. Arunappriya. The facility was renovated with funding from the European Union (EU) under the Support to District Development Programme (EU-SDDP) [...]

Inauguration of the FAO project implemented for the development of site-specific fertilizer management systems for sustainable crop production

Tue, 04 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is inaugurating a project together with the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to assist developing site-specific fertilizer management systems for sustainable crop production in Sri Lanka. The project “Development of site-specific fertilizer management systems for sustainable crop production” with the funding [...]

FAO support to establish the first ever database on Nutritional Status of School Children

Tue, 14 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education has established a database to assist the Ministry to monitor the nutritional status of the schoolchildren in Sri Lanka. The support is being provided through a grant from the Government of Spain, administered [...]

Training of Trainers on Port State Measure and Inspection under Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development conducted a training of trainers workshop on the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) and inspection from 30 January to 3 February 2017 under the FAO project ‘Capacity building to [...]

Mobile animal health clinic for cattle farmers in Killinochchi district supported by FAO

Wed, 08 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Under the Agro-Economic Development Project funded by the Government of Canada, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH) in the Northern Province has introduced animal health mobile clinics in Kilinochchi district to ensure good dairy management practices [...]

Cascaded Tank-Village System in Sri Lanka is going to Get Global Recognition

Tue, 28 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

At the initiative of FAO, officers from the Ministry of Agriculture of Sri Lanka in 2014 participated in meetings and conferences on Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). As a result, the Ministry of Agriculture formed a Technical Working Group under the chairmanship of the Additional Secretary for Agriculture Technology [...]

“The Value of Forests” Video Competition

Wed, 22 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March the International Day of Forests (IDF) in 2012. The Day celebrates and raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On each International Day of Forests, countries are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organise activities involving [...]

Official Launching of Fuelwood Plantations and Laying of the Corner Stone for the First Biomass Energy Terminals

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 00:00:00 GMT

The official launching of the GCP/SRL/048/GFF Project supported fuelwood plantation establishment programme of the Forest Department and the corner stone laying for first biomass energy terminal supported by the Project was held on 12 February 2017 with the participation of Hon. Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, Minister of the Power and Renewable [...]

Sri Lanka and E-Agriculture

Fri, 20 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Many stakeholders acknowledge the need for a national e-agriculture strategy - a guideline on leveraging the advances in ICT to address some of the challenges faced in agriculture. However, most countries are yet to adopt a strategic approach in making the best use of ICT developments for agriculture.   E-agriculture strategies [...]

Local Community plants 600 saplings to develop the Podiwewa ecosystem

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The environs of the Podiwewa, a minor irrigation tank in Monaragala was a hive of activity recently as the villagers from Thimbirigas-ara in Buttala came together with a single intention in mind. The villagers, both young and old joined the Monaragala District Secretary Ms. D.S. Pathmakulasooriya and officials from the [...]

Government of Canada partners with FAO to take northern Sri Lanka's agriculture and livestock sectors to new heights

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Under the Canada-funded Agro-Economic Development Project (ADP), the Government of Canada together with UNDP and FAO is working to strengthen agro-economic cooperatives in northern Sri Lanka with a specific focus on the districts of Jaffna, Killinochchi and Mullaitivu, as the region continues a gradual transition from recovery to development phase.

The [...]

World Food Day 2016

Wed, 19 Oct 2016 00:00:00 GMT

World Food Day is commemorated every year on 16 October. The theme of this year's World Food Day is that climate change, hunger and poverty must be addressed together in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) [...]

FAO Supports Pre-School teachers training in island wide

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Presidential Secretariat is working on a joint project entitled “Scaling up Nutrition through a Multi-Sector Approach”. With the funding of the Sustainable Development Goal Fund (SDGF) of Spain this [...]

Field day on Crop diversification in Paddy land

Wed, 14 Sep 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partner with Provincial Department of Agriculture and Department of Agrarian Development, Kilinochchi organized a field day in Kilinochchi where high officials from the Department of Agriculture (Ext), members of The Further Farmer Organization (FO) and neighbouring farmers participated. In [...]

FAO supports training of young medical practitioners in promoting healthy diets

Fri, 05 Aug 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), Colombo, to organize a training for young medical doctors who are future leaders in the field of nutrition care in Sri Lanka. In August 2016, as part of the MSc in Human [...]

Monitoring changes in Sri Lanka's forests

Mon, 18 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

REDD+ is an initiative led by the UN to reduce emissions released into the atmosphere due to deforestation and forest degradation in developing countries. Currently, the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment is preparing a national REDD+ strategy aimed at increasing the quality and quantity of national forests. The [...]

FAO and the European Union building capacity in the fisheries sector

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has organised a series of trainings at district level for Fisheries Inspectors of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (DFAR). This comes in a backdrop where long line fishing, a relatively new fishing method to the Eastern Province [...]

FAO supports Agri Fair to mark 'World Environment Day'

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

An Agri Fair was organized recently at the Kallady Bridge Market in Batticaloa to mark World Environment Day with the purpose of creating awareness on the importance of organic food consumption and production, and waste management practices. The Fair was held from June 1-3.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the [...]

'Scaling up Nutrition through a Multi-Sector Approach' In Action

Thu, 14 Jul 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Scaling up Nutrition through a Multi-Sector Approach (UNJP/SRL/070/UNJ) is a joint project implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Food Programme (WFP).

This project was implemented to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of government investment in on-going nutrition initiatives, and to promote nutrition education in the school system [...]

Improving Asian nutrition – one glass of milk at a time on World Milk Day, FAO raises a glass and proposes a toast

Wed, 01 Jun 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Asia has witnessed remarkable growth in its production and consumption of milk and dairy products in recent years and this trend is almost certain to continue.

Indeed, the Asia-Pacific region has overtaken Europe as the world’s largest milk producer, with India alone producing one in every five glasses of milk.

This increased [...]

FAO encourages School Gardens Island wide to promote healthy diets in the homesteads

Tue, 24 May 2016 00:00:00 GMT

With a growing demand for toxin-free foods in the world, Sri Lanka is also working towards a new agrarian economy to capitalize on the growing demand. Fortunately with the leadership provided by Government, farmers can move away from the inorganic fertilizer to more environmental-friendly agricultural practices. The national policy for [...]

International Day of Forests: Making the connection between Forests & Water

Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 March ‘International Day of Forests’ which signifies a day of celebrating and creating awareness about forests. Forested watersheds and wetlands supply 75% of the world’s accessible fresh water for domestic, agricultural and ecological needs. It is by maintaining and providing high [...]

FAO educates the scouts on nutrition

Fri, 04 Mar 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The 9th National Scout Jamboree organized by the Sri Lanka National Scout Association was held from 20 to 26 February 2016 in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The Jamboree brought together almost 10,000 scouts from all over Sri Lanka who camped out for one week in the spirit of brotherhood and unity.

The [...]

Preparing Sri Lanka's forest based-strategy of national development

Mon, 29 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Nature plays a prominent role in everyone’s life; the air we breathe, the water we drink, the rivers, lakes and waterfalls, the mountains which are full of greenery, and all of nature’s resources are natural gifts of Mother Nature. We are also a part of nature; in fact, children of [...]

The European Union and FAO support advancement of marine finfish farming in Sri Lanka

Fri, 19 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) is constructing a marine finfish hatchery in Tharmapuram, Batticaloa to fulfill the national objectives to promote marine finfish farming in the country. The hatchery is being constructed with funding from the [...]

Arrival of New FAO Representative

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT

Ms Nina Brandsturp assumed duties as FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives on 13 January 2016.

Ms Brandsturp, a national of Denmark, started her career in 1990 as Head of the Agrimonetary Section, Ministry of Agriculture, Copenhagen, Denmark. She joined FAO in 1992 as Associate Professional Officer, FAO Representation in [...]

Sri Lanka on the path to develop a National E-agriculture Strategy

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

While the need for e-agriculture strategies is acknowledged by many stakeholders, most countries are yet to adopt a strategic approach in making the best use of ICT developments in agriculture.

Sri Lanka is developing the National E-agriculture Strategy with technical assistance from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and [...]

South Asia FAO-BOBLME Regional Consultation on the Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security

Wed, 02 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The South Asia FAO-BOBLME Regional Consultation on the Implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security was held in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on 23 – 26 November 2015 was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and [...]

Presentation of the Roadmap of the Sri Lanka UN-REDD strategy development process

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Crucial Milestone being reached in Sri Lanka!

The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in developing countries. This global programme was launched in 2008 and builds on the convening role and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture Organization of [...]

The Government of Sri Lanka drives the development of the Sri Lanka REDD+ strategy

Mon, 23 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Secretary to the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment Chairs the Task Force on National Policies and Strategies of the REDD+ Programme.

The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD) in developing countries. This global programme was launched in 2008 and [...]

Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme Organizes FREL/FRL Construction workshop

Mon, 16 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

A Forest Reference Emission Level (FREL) or Forest Reference Level (FRL) is one of the four elements that countries need to develop in order to participate in REDD+. The UNFCCC has defined FREL/FRLs as benchmarks for assessing a country’s performance in implementing REDD+ activities and mitigating climate change through actions [...]

Operation and maintenance of minor irrigation tanks - By Dr. Giuseppe Bronzoni

Wed, 11 Nov 2015 00:00:00 GMT

FAO and Sri Lanka

The relationship between FAO, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and Sri Lanka is a strong one, forged also in a time of war when essential agrarian infrastructure was damaged or destroyed.

Since the end of the armed conflict, FAO, with the financial support of [...]

United Nations Sri Lanka celebrates 70th anniversary of the UN and 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka becoming a member state of the UN

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The twin anniversaries of the 70th United Nations Day and the 60th anniversary of Sri [...]

Ms Beth S. Crawford, elucidates on the importance of this year's World Food Day in an interview with Sunday Island

Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT

In an interview with Sunday Island, Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO of United Nation’s) Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives, Beth S. Crawford, elucidates on the importance of this year’s World Food Day- ‘Social Protection and Agriculture’ and the paradigm shift we should take as a country to realize it.

Q: [...]

Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme - Awareness Session for Writers

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

An awareness session was held for writers by the Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme on Thursday 10th September at the IUCN office in Colombo 7. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is providing support to the Sri Lanka UN-REDD Programme in the area of communication.

Head of IUCN Dr [...]

FAO Sri Lanka celebrating World Food Day on the 16th of October 2015

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on 16 October, the day on which the Organization was founded in 1945.

The objectives of World Food Day are to:

encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end;

encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing [...]

Quinoa: Ready for Sri Lanka

Thu, 10 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Quinoa is a grain crop which has gained worldwide attention because of its ability to grow in various abiotic stress conditions such as soil salinity, acidity, drought, frost, etc. Its grain is a rich source of a wide range of minerals, vitamins, oil and high quality protein containing ample amounts [...]

Scaling up Nutrition through a Multi-Sector Approach- Inception Workshop

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Scaling up Nutrition through a Multi-Sector Approach is a project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations jointly with the National Nutrition Secretariat (NNS). This project aims at implementing prioritized activities of the national nutrition action plan using grants provided [...]

Good Food Festival and Entrepreneur Exchange Programme

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The first “Good Food Festival and Entrepreneur Exchange” program organized to coincide with the ‘Nutrition Month’ in Sri Lanka, combines nutrition promotion with small enterprise development and reconciliation to serve the public a unique culinary, cultural, educational and entertaining experience. It was held at [...]

The State of Food Insecurity in the World 2015

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Global hunger has continued to decline, gradually, to an estimated 795 million undernourished people, or a reduction of 167 million hungry people overSupported by the European Union, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recently launched a fisheries and livelihood development project with the introduction of sea bass cage culture activity in the Batticaloa Lagoon. Following significant preparatory work to impart know-how and [...]

Sri Lanka on the Road to REDD+: The Role of Forests in addressing Climate

Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The United Nations UN-REDD Programme is a collaborative initiative to prepare countries to participate in the global programmes on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). UNREDD builds on the convening power and expertise of FAO, the United Nations [...]

Message from Ms Beth Crawford FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and Maldives on ‘World Milk Day' 2015

Wed, 27 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Milk is an important part of healthy and a balanced diet and ‘World Milk Day’ provides the perfect opportunity to spread the word. The Food & Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations designates 1st June annually as ‘World Milk Day’.

An intergovernmental organization with some [...]

Livelihoods of farmers in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu enhanced with the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure by FAO

Mon, 25 May 2015 00:00:00 GMT

Under the recently completed project on ‘Integrated Irrigation & Agricultural Livelihood Development in Killinochchi and Mullaitivu Districts’, implemented by FAO with the financial assistance of the European Union (EU), agricultural-based livelihoods for vulnerable farming households were [...]

UN and Government of Sri Lanka launch Multi-Sector Initiative against Undernutrition

Fri, 27 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

COLOMBO – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have launched a joint project in support of Government policy to fight undernutrition in Sri Lanka. The ‘Scaling Up Nutrition through Multi-Sector Approach’ was launched on 18 March 2015 at the Ministry [...]

Ceylon Today interviews Mrs. Beth Crawford – FAO Representative for Sri Lanka

Thu, 12 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been involved in the agriculture sector in the country since 1979, providing technical assistance, supporting government policy planning and legislation while implementing various projects in the sector. At present however, the buzz word is ‘Food Security’ and whether our [...]