UNDP compiling an innovative farming assistance plan and FAO is to assist urban farming
The UN Development Program (UNDP) and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) have both informed Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe that their organizations are drawing up tailor-made food production programs to help Sri Lanka overcome the current food shortage and meet the expected food crisis in the coming months.
The Country Representative of the FAO, Vimlendra Sharan, and the UNDP Deputy Country Representative, Malin Herwig, met the Prime Minister here on Friday to apprise of their organizations’ plans.
The UNDP’s Malin Herwig said that they were compiling an innovative farming assistance program which would help the farming community overcome the fertilizer shortage.
The FAO representative Vimalendra Sharan said that donors had stepped forward to assist Sri Lanka in its urban agriculture program. He was hopeful that successful implementation would see more financial support coming in. He also stated the FAO is drafting a food crisis response plan that can be enacted in Sri Lanka.
The Prime Minister said that in view of the threat of a food shortage, a food security program is being compiled by the agriculture department. This program is due to be unveiled next month, with the support of the UNDP.
He stated that the biggest issue currently facing the agriculture sector is the fertilizer and fuel shortage. The Prime Minister also spoke about his urban agriculture initiative.
The Prime Minister said that within 5 to 6 months the current agriculture shortages could be salvaged if swift action is taken to address the shortages faced by farmers
