JICA provides seeds for smallholder vegetable farmers

Thursday, 16 January 2025 01:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Initiative as part of emergency support to those severely affected by recent heavy rainfall and flood

On 6 January, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) handed over 463 kg of carrot seeds to the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Central Province in Sri Lanka to support smallholder vegetable farmers severely impacted by recent floods and heavy rainfall experienced in Sri Lanka. The seeds were distributed to 851 affected farmers in the Nuwara Eliya district, where many vegetable farms had severe damage on their vegetable cultivations.

The ceremony was graced by JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara, JICA Sri Lanka office Chief Representative Tetsuya Yamada with the participation of senior officials from both the Department of Agriculture and the Provincial Department of Agriculture – Central Province, including Director General of Agriculture Kamani Ranathunga, and Central Province Provincial Director Jayalath Bandara.

This effort is part of JICA’s broader commitment of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Sri Lanka, particularly through two ongoing technical cooperation projects in agriculture sector; the project for promotion of Safe and Appropriate use of Fertiliser and Pesticide (SAFE Project) and the project for Livelihood Enhancement of Small and Medium Scale Agri Producers through Strengthening Supply Chain Structure (SHEP and SSC Project). These projects aim to enhance food safety, improve agricultural practices, and promote market-oriented agriculture for smallholder farmers. The provision of seeds is expected to help maintain the household economies of the affected farmers and avoid possible higher vegetable prices due to shortage of products due to heavy rain in harvest season in 2025.

During the seed handover, JICA Senior Vice President Shohei Hara emphasised the agency’s continuous commitment and support for Sri Lanka during challenging situations. He expressed hope that the seed provision would help stabilise the household economies of affected farmers by boosting vegetable production. He considered this as very good opportunity to make observation on current situation of small holder vegetable farmers in Sri Lanka and expect timely technical knowledge transfer by Department of Agriculture to make these farmers more resilience.

JICA Sri Lanka office Chief Representative Tetsuya Yamada stated that Provision of this Emergency assistance not only just giving seeds for the farmers but also it means planting seeds for hope and friendship between two countries: Japan and Sri Lanka.

While highly appreciating the JICA’s contribution to Agriculture sector in Sri Lanka, Director General of Agriculture Kamani Ranathunga also acknowledged the importance of the initiative, stating that it would reduce the vulnerability of the affected farmers and help them regain economic stability. She assured that both the Provincial and Central Departments of Agriculture would provide necessary technical assistance to maximise the benefits of the seed distribution and improve the farmers’ incomes.