Sri Lanka advises early paddy planting ahead of heavy rains, 2027 dry spell

Sri Lankan authorities on Friday advised farmers to bring forward planting for the 2026/27 Maha paddy cultivation season to cope with expected heavy rains and prepare for a dry spell early next year linked to El Niño conditions.

The advisory follows meteorological forecasts indicating above-average rainfall across the island in October and November, associated with prevailing El Niño conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.

The Department of Agriculture urged farmers to begin land preparation as soon as possible and complete sowing between 15 and 25 October.

Officials said earlier sowing would ensure that crops are about a month old when heavier rains are expected in November, reducing the risk of damage from flooding.

Sri Lanka is targeting around 830,000 hectares of paddy cultivation during the upcoming Maha season.

Farmers have also been advised to conserve water, as meteorological authorities forecast higher temperatures and lower rainfall during January, February and March 2027.

Authorities said strict water management would be essential to ensure a successful Yala cultivation season in 2027.

In paddy-growing areas facing water shortages, farmers have been encouraged to cultivate other field crops, including maize, green gram, cowpea and finger millet.

Farmers who switch from paddy to other field crops will remain eligible for fertiliser subsidies.

Sri Lanka’s agricultural calendar is traditionally based on two cultivation seasons linked to the monsoons. The Yala season, generally running from May to September, is associated with the south-west monsoon, while the Maha season, from October to January, is associated with the north-east monsoon.