A Strategy for the Restoration and Rebuilding the Agri-Food Sector of Sri Lanka

Submitted to the Government by the members of the Faculties of Agriculture of the State Universities of Sri Lanka
June 15, 2022

Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has brought to the forefront serious concerns, especially relating to increases in food prices and shortages in
food. As a result, uncertainties have grown about whether, in the coming months, (a) required food supplies will be available, (b) the
agri-food sector will be able to sustain the livelihoods of those engaged in crop, livestock and poultry farming, fishing, food
manufacturing, food distribution and allied activities and (c) the agri-food sector will be able to provide food security for those most
affected by the crisis.

We, the members of the Faculties of Agriculture of the State Universities of Sri Lanka, recognize that these concerns are of particular
significance to the most vulnerable communities, such as those who are economically marginalized and those with the greatest need for
nutritious food, such as children, pregnant mothers, and the sick. Within this context, the country needs to immediately develop and
implement a plan of action to address several key areas:

1. Provide the basic food needs of the population through direct administrative/regulatory interventions,
including but not limited to rationing of scarce supplies to the most vulnerable across the country.
2. Ensure the availability of raw materials/inputs at affordable prices to sustain those engaged in the agri-food
sector, prioritizing the farming of crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries. These sub-sectors of the agricultur-
al economy can most effectively and efficiently provide consumption requirements and attract foreign
exchange to the country.
3. Develop a new generation of food growers, new sources of food and sustainable sources of agri-inputs,
such as plant nutrients, plant protection options, planting materials, feed, mechanical tools/implements,
and farm power, where applicable.
4. Develop effective and efficient institutional support for research and development, extension, and input
supply, which addresses the country’s needs based on scientific evidence, and which integrates traditional
extension systems with mass media, digital technology, and community-based organizational structures.
5. Sustain key stakeholders in the existing supply and distribution channels, and introduce new and innova
tive channels, strengthen local markets, and address vulnerable populations using existing institutional
and local level s tructures. Strengthen and deploy technologies, regulations, and institutions to reduce
postharvest losses, improve storage and processing methods at the local level, and support innovations
across the value chain.
6. Create a conducive environment to find alternative sources of locally available food and agri-inputs, where
possible, to support food production.

We note that the problems confronted by society today are a result of a lack of a consistent long-term policy and action programs for
agriculture, which could have prevented a crisis of this nature from occurring. Such a policy must be developed and must include
mechanisms to address future crisis situations by effectively using knowledge, other resources, and institutional structures (state and
others), using consultative processes in a holistic manner. It must also ensure that a system to address pressing issues, over the long term,
in a sustained manner, is developed.

We also note that the food inflation in Sri Lanka during May 2022 (year-on-year basis) has stood at an all-time high of 57.4%. The depth
of the crisis is explained by the recent appeal from the United Nations (UN) to the global community for USD 47 million in humanitarian
aid to Sri Lanka to provide lifesaving assistance to 1.7 million people. It is estimated that 4.9, 3.5 and 2.4 million people in need with
respect to food security, agriculture and livelihood, and nutritional dimensions (UN, 2022). Furthermore, we also recognize and
acknowledge the short-term measures adopted to-date by the Government of Sri Lanka to support agriculture; for example through the
World Bank and Asian Development Bank assisted importation of agrochemicals and seed stocks, the importation of urea fertilizer, with
support from the EXIM Bank of India, and the measures to prioritize seed paddy supply for the Maha season 2022/2023.

The ‘Strategy for Restoration and Rebuilding the Agri-Food Sector’ is a concerted effort by the Faculties of Agriculture of the State
Universities of Sri Lanka and presents key activities that the government of Sri Lanka should pursue to restore and rebuild its agri-food
sector, using scarce but available resources. The document addresses the entire food system, considering all economic actors and priority
sub-sectors in the agriculture value/supply chains and identifies short and medium needs and interventions, also considering long term
requirements. Some of the interventions listed on this document, it is noted, have already been discussed and implemented, suggesting
that the government is taking these concerns seriously and is attempting to address them to some extent.

In drafting this report, we noted a data-deficiency from nationally representative samples that makes it even impossible to understand
the level of the crisis we are faced with. Nevertheless, our concern is that irrespective of the level of the food insecurity situation, if the
country continues on its current trajectory, especially with respect to the food consumption patterns, it will move beyond crisis into a
state of emergency and potentially famine as per the United Nations (2022). This document provides insights to minimize the possibility
of reaching such disastrous outcomes.

01
 Diagnostics: Understanding Causes of the Problem

Factors that have led to food insecurity and lowered living standards could be broadly categorized as home-grown and external.
Home-grown factors are primarily problems related to macroeconomic mismanagement, which lead to a twin deficit (current
account and fiscal deficit) and controvercial policy decisions. Monetary and exchange rate policies predominately affected the cost
of production (CoP) in the agriculture sector via inflation. Further, the fuel, fertilizer and food price increases in the world market affect
the domestic price level, via imports, and hence, the CoP in agriculture. Additionally, agricultural policies such as the ban on
importation of agrochemicals and quick and total shift to organic agriculture have contributed significantly to the rising CoP in
agriculture, which has discouraged agricultural production and increased unemployment in the sector. These in turn have resulted in
lower incomes and a rise in food prices (food inflation) threatening the country’s food security.

Connecting Problems – Solutions – Activities

Pathways to Reduce Food Prices

To lower food prices, it is essential to increase domestic food
supply, reduce the price of imported food and inputs, reduce
postharvest losses and discourage hoarding. Domestic food
supply could be improved by increasing the availability of
agricultural inputs, promoting efficient distribution channels
and value chain models, promoting climate-smart agricultural
practices, and reducing uncertainties in farm income; the
latter through insurance schemes, information portals, etc. It is
important to enhance foreign exchange earnings, remove
import restrictions (e.g. bans, taxes) and find cheaper local
substitutes for imported foods and inputs to reduce the price of
food imports. Price increases due to food shortages could be
reduced by streamlining food and input distribution channels,
reducing postharvest losses, controlling irrational trade, and
minimizing food hoarding.

02
 Pathways to Increase Income

To Increase Income

Strengthen connections Reduce Cost of Production Increase farmgate Diversify Income Increase
with exporters and high (CoP) in Agriculture prices Agricultural yields
value markets

Reduce Improve Reduce Promote crop livestock

Diversify export product Vertical integration, value
Postharvest competitiveness in transportation and
portfolio/export markets Integration of addition, non-farm
and Increase value losses value chains handling cost
Value Chains income
addition

Introduce cheaper Enhance credit Promote efficient Increase availability Improve extension Improve
alternative energy and facilities agronomic of agricultural inputs services technologies
transport modes practices

To increase income, it is important to reduce CoP in agriculture,
increase agricultural yields, farm gate prices, and diversity of
products and markets, both in the local and export markets. It is
also important to diversify income sources and provide conducive
working conditions for stakeholders in the entire agri-food system.
To reduce CoP in agriculture, efficient agronomic practices, includ-
ing Integrated Plant Nutrient Management and Integrated Pest
Management, as specified under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP),
will have to be promoted. Further, enhanced credit facilities and
the use of alternative energy and transport/distribution modes
must be encouraged. To increase agricultural yields, new food
production and protection technologies, and digital platforms
for making farming and marketing decisions should be
introduced and promoted, and agricultural inputs should be
made available. To obtain a reasonable farm gate price, it is
important to reduce the risk borne by intermediaries, increase
the bargaining power of farmers through value addition, and
provide market incentives for forming effective farmer organiza-
tions. Introduction of novel distribution channels, especially
through public private partnerships, can also be considered.

Goals, Objectives, and Expected Outcomes

The overall goal of the strategy is to revive the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka.
Short term objective: To safeguard vulnerable communities.

Medium term objective: To improve technical efficiency through technological innovations.

To improve the allocative efficiency of resources, including in the trade sector,
Long term objective: through institutional and regulatory innovations.

Expected outcome 1: Food and nutrition security enhanced

Expected outcome 2: Livelihoods and employment in the agri-food sector enhanced

Innovative Agricultural Technologies, Institutions and Regulations to Manage the Crisis

We focus on the immediate steps required to address the crises the
country is facing from the point of view of the agri-food sector.
However, ensuring food security in the medium and long-term also
require immediate attention. In the short-term, Implementation of
technological interventions and regulations are proposed to
increase agriculture production through maximizing the efficien-
cy of available resources and through identifying alternative
resources. Formulation of a policy on energy supply to the agricul-
ture and food sector is also proposed. The focus in the medium
term is to sustain the supply chain of inputs with high quality raw
materials and to use technological interventions to strengthen the
sustainable utilization of all resources. Developing technological
interventions to reduce postharvest losses through food preserva-
tion, converting to value-added products, and identifying and
using underutilized food sources as raw materials for the food
industry are proposed. A considerable gap in extension services
linked to the production system can be addressed by introducing a
centralized extension service, formulated in consultation with all
responsible authorities to increase efficiency at the ground level.
03
Underutilized human resources, such as development officers,
can support these activities. It is also proposed to conduct
awareness programs to promote good agricultural practices on
the ground and introduce new production technologies
targeting home gardening. The use of all types of media to
educate the public on methods of reducing food waste and
developing value-added products to promote cottage indus-
tries are also proposed.
This document is organized as follows. First, an emergency
preparedness plan is presented. Next, the recommendations are
provided separately for (i) input supplies to crop production, (ii)
crop production, (iii) livestock, poultry and fisheries production,
(iv) processing, distribution and trade, and (v) cross-cutting
issues. The recommendations are classified into technologies,
institutions and regulations under each section. Short term
measures are followed by medium term measures under each
category.
 Proposed Recommendations by the Faculties of Agriculture of
the State Universities of Sri Lanka
Improved food & nutrition
Consumption Food Consumers wellbeing

Distribute essential food to vulnerable groups, ensure food safety and a healthy diet ;
ensure the availability of essential food items through an affordable price ceiling and
innovative distribution mechanisms; increase nutrition awareness and launch educational
programs to minimize household food waste and promote sustainable consumption.

Food distribution Traders, wholesalers and retailers Improved food distribution & livelihoods

Create novel value chains using online mobile platforms geared for procurement and
household delivery, facilitate the establishment of high potential business ventures
targeting local and export markets, utilize the rail ystem to transport food and facilitate
the importation of essential food items as and when required.

Processing Food manufacturing firms Improved food manufacturing & livelihoods

Transfer technology on all aspects of food processing, identify alternative food sources
for consumption and processing ; provide technological interventions to produce value
added products; facilitate importation of raw materials for food processing; develop
guidelines for producing safe food; minimize post-harvest losses using technologies with
a special focus on perishables.

Harvesting Collectors

Reduce postharvest losses

Use appropriate harvest technologies
Improved domestic
Farm-level production Crop, livestock and poultry farmers and fishers
production & farm income
Effective extension service
Centralize extension services, capacity building of extension officers, development
officers etc., with a monitor mechanism of the services provided; transfer knowledge to
farmers using innovative methods linking farmers to markets using digital technologies
and other methods.

livestock, poultry and fisheries sectors

Technology for formulating feed using locally available alternative resources, especially
for poultry; efficient milk collection and cottage-level processing and enhancing the
circularity in livestock and aquaculture production.
Regulation on promoting inland aquaculture and low input production systems;
incentivizing entrepreneurial activities in dairy and inland fisheries

Crop-livestock integration
Crop sector
Technology for developing precision farming practices / systems to maximize production
and productivity, commercial scale production of proven local inputs/products,
developing digital databases for crop planning and management.
Regulation on prioritizing crops and cropping systems, identifying management zones
with sustainable practices, promoting urban agriculture & community gardening, using
solar power as an energy source

Raw material supply

Improve accessibility and affordability of high quality raw material; prioritize the
provision of fuel, fertilizer, seeds, and planting materials for agricultural activities.

Restructure related agencies to implement an agriculture crisis management plan,

promote responsible agriculture production, value addition and consumption

High prices & the unavailability of high quality raw materials, inadequate technology & inefficient
management & high postharvest losses, poor extension
Detailed recommendations are given in supplementary tables

04
 Tables of Recommendations

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS PLAN TO MANAGE FOOD CRISIS IN SRI LANKA

Immediate Actions/ interventions needed

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
1. Take immediate steps to manage vulnerable groups: Infants (under 5 years of age), adolescent girls, pregnant District MOH under the guidance of the
and lactating mothers, and elderly groups Ministry of Health
Proposed strategies/actions:
• Identify vulnerable groups that are not covered by the existing nutrition assistance programs and include
them in the said programs. Self-registering can be encouraged, and verification of information needs to be
done by Gramaniladari or Samurdhi officers.
• Strengthen existing screening and monitoring systems to identify malnourished pre-school children, and
pregnant and lactating women.
• Allocate funds to sustain existing nutritional interventions, e.g., School meal program, Thriposha program
• Increase per person benefits of the existing cash transfer programs and change the form of assistance to
food vouchers
• Provide a “Poshana malla” containing dried rations to vulnerable infants/pregnant and lactating
mothers/elderly for a period of three months.
• Provide micronutrient supplements to vulnerable groups, starting from food assistance programs targeting
elderly homes and orphanages
• Provide guidance to follow sanitary practices in food preparation and consumption to minimize the spread
of communicable diseases
2. Take immediate actions to manage the crisis in the estate sector and war-affected areas Ministry of Plantation Community
Proposed strategies/actions: groups and planters’ associations,
• Provide nutrition bars containing essential nutrients (using food ingredients such as soybean, rice, whey
protein, and maize) that can be preserved for a considerable period without standard storage conditions
Alternatives: Providing a “Tikiri Shakthi” nutrient bar to pre-school children and expand the coverage by
using alternative ingredients to soya, maize, and rice, which all are in shortfall
• Promotion of manioc, sweet potato, and other easily grown yams to fulfill carbohydrate requirements
while emphasizing the safe way of preparation
• Encourage and support lactating mothers to take full maternity leave to prevent malnutrition among pre-
school children

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 • Provide guidance to the communities to adopt sanitary practices in food preparation and consumption to
minimize the spread of communicable diseases.
3. Take immediate actions to manage the needy general public District Secretariat, Pradeshiya sabha,
Proposed strategies/actions: Department of Samurdhi Development,
• Ration the essential food items that are in short supply (e.g., rice, wheat flour) to ensure equitable Consumer Affairs Authority
distribution
• Develop a marketing strategy to collect, store and distribute the food surplus (e.g., Pumpkin, breadfruit,
Jack) among the general public
• Allocate adequate funds for sustaining school meal programs
Options available: Determine the form of support based on the availability of food in the local area (e.g., a
glass of milk in milk-producing areas; “Kola kenda” in areas with leafy vegetable production; fortified
biscuit to school children in urban areas) – allow the schools to decide on the support and the
frequency of support.
• Conduct awareness programs at the village level or undertake media campaigns to provide appropriate
guidance to use locally available alternative food sources to obtain a balanced diet and reduce wastage.
• Facilitate community kitchens to provide food preparation using food available in the area (e.g., Porridge)
• Establish food banks at local levels to collect excess food from supermarkets, hotels, and private donors.
• Create an emergency fund to mobilize more resources for humanitarian assistance.
Suggested Options: Donations collected from individuals, NGOs, private organizations, Sri Lankans living
abroad, International Donor Organizations, etc.
• Provide economic incentives to food processors, restaurants, and hotels for reducing food wastage.
4. Take immediate actions to safeguard the industries which are critically important for the country’s situation Ministry of Finance, Department of
List of actions proposed: Animal Production and Health,
• For Export Agriculture: Immediately facilitate vessel movement at ports to ensure the continuation of Department of Agriculture
production/ exportation flow and ease the burden of production lines; facilitate travel for field officers
engaged in addressing the immediate needs of export-orient industries in the production flow; ensure
the production quantities/quality of export-oriented industries by providing fuel for processing (dryers/
machinery/ equipment) of food, beverages and spices,
• For Poultry Industry: Immediately import ingredients for the formulation of feed for the poultry industry
to sustain it at least until local supplies become available (coming Maha season), as collapsing this well-
organized sector will have long-term repercussions.
• For rice farmers: Immediately facilitate the provision of fuel for land preparation and harvesting on a
priority basis.

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 CROP SECTOR

Crop sector - Technological / process Interventions for Input supply

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term technological/process interventions for input supply
1. Take immediate steps to make high quality agricultural inputs (fertilizer, pesticides, seeds and planting material) Ministry of Agriculture, Department of
available at affordable prices for the Maha season 2022/2023. Agriculture, Department of Agrarian
Steps to be taken: Import essential agrochemicals based on the requirement of the priority crops (paddy, maize, tea, Development, Research Institutes
commercial vegetables and export oriented high-value crops), provide at least a partial subsidy for chemical Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka
fertilizers and pesticides, provide effective organic fertilizer for annual crops, import and/or ensure local production Private Sector, Farmer Organizations
of adequate seed stocks for priority crops where applicable
2. Establish collaborative seed production programmes with the relevant institutes Department of Agriculture, Private
Proposed activities: Streamline a mechanism to monitor and assure adequate supply of certified seeds by local sector, Universities, Farmer
farmers, universities, and the private sector. Organizations
3. Establish a system to ensure fuel supply for farming activities on a priority basis, which considers the scale of Department of Agrarian Development,
operation. Ceylon Petroleum Corporation,
Proposed strategies: Employ ground-level officers to collect details of requirement and coordinate the supply of fuel; Lanka Indian Oil Company
allocate a dedicated fuel station for farming activities
Medium-term Technological / process interventions for input supply
1. Establish mechanisms to ensure the availability of quality fertilizers (both synthetic and organic) in the market to Ministry of Agriculture, Department of
support agricultural production in the next 3-4 cultivation seasons Agriculture, Research Institutes,
Mahaweli Authority
2. Establish protocols for research on and development of granular nano-fertilizer, solid and liquid organic fertilizers, Department of Agriculture, Research
biofertilizer, biopesticides and other technologies for use in integrated plant nutrient systems (IPNS) and integrated Institutes, Universities, Sri Lanka
pest management (IPM) locally at a commercial scale through private-public partnership (PPP) Nanotechnology Institute
3. Establish mechanisms to provide inputs in a timely manner Department of Agrarian Development
4. Apply a cropping plan and post-harvest handling/processing plan to the country as a whole, covering both seasons. Department of Agriculture, Institute of
Postharvest Technology and
Management. Industrial Technology
Institute
5. Adopt integrated plant nutrient systems (IPNS) throughout crop cultivation Department of Agrarian Development

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 Crop sector - Regulatory Interventions for Input supply
Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Regulatory interventions for input supply
1. Establish a mechanism to ensure the availability, accessibility, and responsible use of quality agrochemicals, Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli
alternative inputs and veterinary drugs required by farmer communities. Authority of Sri Lanka, Department of
Strategic interventions: Develop a prescription-based pesticide issuance system where relevant; establish a legal Animal Production and Health
framework and supporting measures to ensure agricultural inputs available in the market meet SLS quality Veterinary Research Institute, Ministry
standards of Plantation Industries

2. Establish regulatory mechanisms to strictly regulate the marketing and use of unauthorized agricultural inputs Department of Agriculture,
including Organic fertilizer Department of Agrarian development,
Ministry of Plantation Industries

Crop sector - Institutional Interventions for input supply

Medium-term Institutional interventions
Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
1. Monitor the cultivation extents, fertilizer use, and marketing volumes for annual/seasonal crops with the help of field Department of Agriculture, Department
staff of Agrarian Development, Mahaweli
Authority of Sri Lanka, Paddy Marketing
Board. Ministry of Plantation
Industries
2. Make the required agrochemicals available in the market with the participation of the private sector Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Plantations
3. Recommend fertilizers to include both synthetic and organic products, strictly based on research outcomes Department of Agriculture, Department
of Export Agriculture, Commodity
Research Institutes

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 Crop sector - Technological Interventions
Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Import nitrogen fertilizers (Urea) immediately and provide at least 50% of the urea fertilizer recommendation Ministry of Agriculture, Department
with directives to adopt integrated plant nutrient systems (IPNS) of Agriculture, Department of
Technologies: Calibrated Decision Support Tool for fertilizer recommendation for paddy, Soil-Test Based Fertilizer Agrarian Development, Mahaweli
application, Adoption of GAP, and provision of good quality inputs (bio-fertilizers, compost, Biochar, slow- Authority of Sri Lanka, Universities
release fertilizers, Stabilized fertilizers), Drip irrigation assisted fertigation, conservation tillage.
2. Establish a national-level mechanism, through the “Waga Sangramaya” with the participation of farmer Department of Agriculture,
organizations, private sector, and the general public, on facing the crisis through effective coordination and Department of Government
methods of information dissemination which engages all actors and uses the most appropriate forms of media. Information, Universities
3. Adopt mechanisms for effective use of mass and social media to change attitude of communities to face the crisis at Department of Agriculture,
household and community levels. Department of Export Agriculture,
Provide technical know-how on vertical gardening, urban agriculture, use of household wastes in compost Commodity Research Institutes,
production, food preservation, good dietary habits, home- and community-gardening. Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka,
Department of Government
Information, Universities
4. Take immediate steps to introduce already developed techniques to reduce postharvest losses and enhance storage Department of Agriculture,
life Institute of Post-Harvest
Technology and Management,
Industrial Technology Institute
5. Take immediate steps to promote efficient and sustainable utilization of available agricultural lands as appropriate. Ministry of Agriculture, Department
Interventions: legume-based mixed cropping for lands with insufficient fertility or external inputs, growing mid- of Agriculture, Land use and Policy
season fodder and legume cropa, cultivating green manure crops/cover crops, coconut, tea and rubber Planning Department, Mahaweli
Authority of Sri Lanka, Department
of Export Agriculture, Commodity
Research Institutes

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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Medium-term Technological interventions
1. Establish the minimum site- and crop-specific nutrient requirements, based on research findings. Department of Agriculture,
Commodity Research Institutes
Universities
2. Provide cultivation packages for low input high production farming systems as community-based demonstrations Department of Agriculture,
for awareness and attitudinal change Department of Animal Production
and Health, Provincial Department
of Agriculture and Animal
Production and Health, Department
of Agrarian Development,
Universities
3. Adopt technologies and strategies appropriately to minimize nutrient losses Department of Agriculture,
Strategies: Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), integrated plant nutrient and pest management, efficient crop- Department of Agrarian
livestock integrated systems Development, Mahaweli Authority
of Sri Lanka, Department of Animal
Production and Health, Provincial
Departments of Agriculture and
Animal Production and Health,
Universities
4. Make appropriate recommendations on the use of precision agriculture, as a technological intervention, for major Ministry of Agriculture
crops by providing technical know-how and incentives to farmers. Ministry of Finance
Interventions: Laser levelling, Drone based surveying and spraying, management zones based cropping, automated Department of Agriculture
irrigation technologies Universities

Crop sector -Regulatory Interventions

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for
implementation
Short-term regulatory interventions
1. Prioritize providing inputs, in a resource-limiting situation, to high yielding regions for rice, maize and tea cultivation Department of Agriculture
to facilitate production and productivity enhancement Tea Research Institute of Sri Lanka,
Department of Animal Production
and Health
2. Implement effective planning, management, monitoring of the cultivation extent of individual crops by developing a Ministry of Agriculture,
dynamic and regularly updated GND-level digital information system for effective resource utilization. Department of Agriculture,
Department of Agrarian
SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 Components to be considered: Agriculture lands, ownership, uncultivated lands, intended use of agricultural Development, Land Reform
purpose, actual use of agricultural lands, fertilizer/other input requirements, production potential, nutritional Commission, Ministry of
value, adaptability, alternative crops, etc. Education,
Land Commission, Universities
3. Mobilize technical know-how through an efficient extension service by mobilizing existing human capacity at the Ministry of Agriculture,
ground level Department of Agrarian
Human resources to be mobilized: Development officers, monitoring officers, ARPA, Samurdhi beneficiaries, with Development
appropriate training provided to address the current crisis Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka
4. Establish a national level mechanism to attract and utilize foreign funding for community-based crop cultivation Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Agriculture
5. Introduce and adopt mechanisms for the population control of large animal pests (i.e., porcupines, monkeys, wild Department of Wildlife
boars, peacocks, wild elephants, etc.) Conservation, Forest Department
6. Provide subsidies and concessions for solar-powered water pumps and other agricultural machinery (i.e., sprayers, Ministry of Agriculture, General
drones) Treasury
Medium-term regulatory interventions
1. Strengthen crop insurance programs Ministry of Agriculture
2. Implement operational procedures to centralize agricultural extension service, supported by necessary technological Department of Agriculture
interventions involving state and private sector organizations Provincial Department of
Agriculture
Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka
Private Sector
3. Strengthen farmer organizations by launching relevant physical and human capacity building programs Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Irrigation, Mahaweli Authority of
Sri Lanka

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
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 ANIMAL SECTOR

Animal sector - Technological Interventions for production and input supply

Mandated agency of the government for
Proposed Activities implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Take immediate actions to make fuel available for the transportation of livestock produce and fisheries Ceylon Petroleum Cooperation
2. Take immediate actions, with the support of poultry associations, to sustain the livelihood of small-scale Ministry of Enterprise Development and
commercial poultry producers who are abandoning their enterprises due to the high cost of production Investment Promotion
(CoP)
Possible Strategies: Provide debt moratoriums, arrange credit facilities at low interest rates, incentivize
farmers for low-cost production ventures
3. Promote the establishment of small-scale/cottage level feed formulating facilities, which rely on locally Ministry of Enterprise Development and
sourced cheap inputs, and create linkages between these enterprises and poultry growers, in Investment Promotion, Poultry Associations
collaboration with poultry associations
4. Promote fish meal production as a community activity in identified fishing communities (both inland and National Aquaculture Development Authority,
marine), using available facilities/technologies Department of Animal Production and Health

Medium-term Technological interventions

1. Implement mechanisms to promote inland aquaculture production National Aquaculture Development Authority,
Activities proposed: Stock tilapia and common carp broodstock in reservoirs, increase the number of Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka, Department of
reservoirs used for culture-based fisheries, establish mini-hatcheries near reservoirs for Indian Irrigation
and Chinese major carps, introduce fresh- water prawn post-larvae into reservoirs, expand
fingerling breeding facilities with the help of inland fisheries associations.
2. Plan strategies to enhance circularity in livestock and aquaculture production National Aquaculture Development Authority,
Strategies proposed: Promote aquaponic systems in urban areas and ornamental fish farms, enhance Department of Animal Production and Health,
the efficiency of crop-livestock integrated systems, establish biogas units in livestock farms, use Department of Agriculture
renewable energy sources in livestock production, promote insect rearing as a protein source for
feed
3. Shift vulnerable communities towards low input poultry, micro-livestock and small ruminant Department of Animal Production and Health,
production systems Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli Authority
Interventions identified: Promote backyard village chicken production with the utilization of of Sri Lanka
household waste, promote quail production in urban areas, distribute incubators at the village
level and monitor the functioning of incubators distributed already through the Samurdhi

SUPPLIMENTARY TABLES: Strategy for the restoration and rebuilding of the agri-food sector of Sri Lanka
9
 programme, increase awareness and encouragement of microlivestock production, promote
community-based goat production units and implement appropriate marketing models
4. Facilitate milk collection and distribution Department of Animal Production and Health,
Proposed activities: Develop cooling facilities in rural areas, introduce community owned solar- MILCO
powered cold storage facilities while maintaining cold chains, implement programs to empower
milk cooperative societies, introduce community-based distribution of milk through farmer
societies
5. Promote use of locally available feed resources in livestock and aquaculture production Department of Animal Production and Health,
Strategic interventions Proposed: Promote insect rearing, Azolla cultivation, and moringa cultivation Department of Agriculture, Mahaweli Authority
as feed resources, provide supplies for adequate maize production, explore the feasibility in of Sri Lanka, National Livestock Development
growing soybean to produce soybean meal, use of paddy lands for Fodder Sorghum cultivation in Board
the mid-season, increase the utilization of underutilized lands for forage cultivation by increasing
irrigation facilities and facilitate the lease of underutilized lands in the NLDB and uncultivated
abandoned lands belonging to religious places
6. Encourage entrepreneurial activities in the dairy and inland fisheries sectors Department of Animal Production and Health,
Proposed activities: Promote cottage level dairy processing, conduct training and extension activities National Aquaculture Development Authority
on the processing of inland fish (ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook fish products), expand marketing
networks for such processed products, reward best practitioners in livestock and aquaculture
7. Implement mechanisms to ensure the maximum utilization of the limited resources available for the Department of Animal Production and Health,
animal production systems National Aquaculture Development Authority,
Strategies to be adopted: Facilitate the culling of unproductive animals by removing the existing Ministry of Environment, Department of Wildlife
barriers for slaughtering. Take appropriate actions to control populations of large animal pests Conservation
(Wild boar, monkeys, porcupines, peacocks, Wild elephants etc.),
8. As a measure of saving foreign exchange, facilitate and promote the local vaccine production for Department of Animal Production and Health
critical diseases by supplying necessary chemicals

Animal sector -Regulatory Interventions for production and input supply

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Pay immediate attention to make available raw materials needed for mixing feed particularly for the poultry Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
sector. Agriculture, Treasury, DAPH,
Strategies to be adopted: Prioritize the importation of key raw materials (Soybean and maize) as feed to avoid
the collapsing of the chicken industry, prioritize maize as an essential crop when distributing resources for
crop agriculture

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2. Immediately re-activate the dairy farmer societies and ‘Kiri Gammana’ to support dairy production, collection Ministry of Agriculture, Department of
and distribution. Animal Production and Health
Strategies to be adopted: Empower already established farmer organizations and provide knowledge and
technical know-how, especially targeting evening milking and cottage-level processing.

Animal sector - Institutional Interventions for production and input supply

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Implement mechanisms to establish effective and dedicated extension services for the livestock sector and Ministry of Agriculture, Department of
promote knowledge dissemination through all media Animal Production and Health,
Proposed activities: Centralize extension services, encourage platforms for technical knowledge dissemination, Department of Agriculture,
effectively use mass media to promote sustainable livestock and fish farming activities, encourage applied Universities, Department of
research Government Information

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 PROCESSING SECTOR

Processing sector - Technological Interventions

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Take immediate actions to identify alternative food sources for processing (underutilized/ potentially available) Department of Agriculture,
at the cottage level to ensure household food and nutrition security. Department of Agrarian Development,
Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka,
Samurdhi Authority of Sri Lanka
2. Take immediate actions to transfer appropriate technology and knowledge through training programs and Department of Agriculture
workshops Universities, Industrial Technology
Areas to be considered: Raw material/ingredient selection and handling, consideration of nutritional quality and Institute, Export Development Board,
locally available raw material, appropriate/tailormade processing technologies that ensures food quality Vidatha Resource Centers, Institute of
and safety, packaging and labeling, storage structures, facilities, and conditions, finding potential markets, Post-Harvest Technology and
encouraging the use of alternative energy sources (biogas) Management
3. Provide simple machines, such as dryers to farming communities to process seasonal vegetables and fruits (such Ministry of Agriculture
as jackfruit, bread fruit, pumpkin) as small-scale community operations
Medium-term Technological interventions leading to long-term solutions
1. Enhance the capacity of the agri-food industry Department of Agriculture,
Strategic areas to be considered: Raw material/Ingredient selection and handling; identification of potential food Universities, Industrial Technology
products considering the nutritional quality and locally available raw material targeting local and export Institute, Vidatha Resource Centers,
markets; appropriate/tailormade processing technologies ensuring food quality and safety; packaging and Export Development Board, Institute
labeling; storage structures, facilities, and conditions; maintaining food quality, safety, and hygiene; of Post-Harvest Technology and
obtaining product certifications (SLS certificate); food safety management system certification (e.g.: HACCP, Management, Sri Lanka Standards
GMP, ISO 22000); finding potential markets; facilitating participation in international trade fairs. Institution, National Aquaculture
Development Authority, National
Aquatic Resource and Development
Agency, Department of Animal
Production and Health
2. Enhance the capacity for testing food samples for chemical and microbiological parameters Department of Agriculture, Industrial
Technology Institute, Medical
Research Institute, Universities

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 Processing Sector- Regulatory Interventions
Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term regulatory interventions
1. Take immediate actions to develop guidelines for safe food production and healthy diets Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka
Areas to be considered: Food quality and safety; food hygiene; healthy dietary habits and recommendations; Standards Institution, Ministry of
GMP certification for cottage industries Health
2. Take measures to remove barriers for transport food from production areas to other areas Ministry of Agriculture,
• Provide fuel giving priority to vehicles that transport food items. Ministry of Transport and Highways,
• Use rail to transport food commodities. Ministry of Power and Renewable
Energy.
Medium-term regulatory interventions
1. Develop and adopt standard procedures in product certifications and training in the food industry Sri Lanka Standards Institution,
Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs
Authority
2. Reduce food waste in the food service sector by the proper implementation of existing policies Sri Lanka Standards Institution,
Strategic interventions: Increase awareness on policies related to the exportation of food products among key Ministry of Health, Consumer Affairs
stakeholders; introduce different food portion sizes (small, medium and large) Authority

Processing sector - Institutional Interventions

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Institutional interventions
4. Take immediate steps to promote optimum utilization and consumption, through community engagement Department of Agriculture, Department
Intervention to be considered: Establish and maintain community sales centers/markets (Hela Bojun Sales of Agrarian Development, Samurdhi
Centres, Sathipola); Promote community kitchens at the village level, schools, and other organizations; Development Authority of Sri Lanka,
establish food banks, promote school meal programs/nutrition programs; promote awareness of the Grama Niladari, Divisional Secretariat
nutritional value of foods at community, school, and religious spaces; promote potential healthy and Office, Ministry of Education, Ministry
nutritious food recipes from available local food sources (alternative sources for rice – cassava, maize) of Health, Ministry of Indigenous
Medicine, MOH (PHI officers, mid
wives)
Medium-term Institutional interventions
1. Take actions to identify potential agribusiness ventures and empowerment specific stakeholder groups Export Development Board, Industrial
Target groups: Individuals (non-employed younger generations, women), small groups, communities, Development Board,
medium/large scale industries

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 Department of Export Agriculture,
Regional Development Banks,
Department of Small Industries
2. Take immediate action to facilitate the implementation of potential local business ventures Department of Export Agriculture,
Potential interventions: Raw material collectors & suppliers (available/ underutilized food sources); semi- Department of Agriculture,
processed product suppliers (Fruit pulp, dehydrated fruits & vegetables), leafy vegetable Universities, Industrial Technology
(moringa/herbs/curry leaves powder) suppliers; value added and diverse finished product suppliers; Institute, Hector Kobbekaduwa
byproduct processing centers (food waste from economic centres and produce edible packaging); minimal Agrarian Research and Technology
processing /processing centers (fermented products, dehydrated products) Institute, National Aquaculture
Development Authority, National
Aquatic Resource and Development
Agency, Department of Animal
Production and Health, Research
Institutes, Universities
3. Take immediate action to facilitate implementation of potential export-oriented business ventures Department of Export Agriculture,
Potential ventures: Value addition and diversifying existing products; introducing new value added and diverse Export Development Board, Research
finished product; facilitating foreign trade fairs to promote export products Institutes, Department of Agriculture,
Universities
Ministry of Trade
4. Develop and establish an interactive platform connecting all stakeholders Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Target interventions through the platform: Communication about available seasonal food sources; meeting Plantations, Ministry of Irrigation,
demand and supply gap Ministry of Environment
5. Promote dietary diversification through appropriate measures Ministry of Health
Department of Agriculture

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 CROSS-CUTTING AREAS

Technological Interventions in cross-cutting areas of food system

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Technological interventions
1. Take immediate actions to introduce alternative/renewable energy sources to support operations of the agri-food Ministry of Power and Energy,
systems Ministry of Agriculture
Potential interventions: make available the energy sources suitable for Agriculture: solar power, biomass resources
(Gliricidia); Facilitate and encourage the establishment of solar power system
2. Take immediate action to develop a mobile app to serve as a platform for different players involved in the food Ministry of Agriculture
system
Medium-term Technological interventions
1. Conduct research to adopt appropriate technology for Sri Lanka agriculture and ensuring that such technologies Department of Agriculture,
reach the target communities in the agri-food systems Department of Export Agriculture,
Commodity Research Institute,
Universities
2. Take actions to establish community-owned solar-powered cold storage facilities to farmers, while maintaining Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
cold chains Technology and Investment
Promotion, Ministry of Environment
3. Establish mechanisms to facilitate the importation of the raw materials used in the agri-food industries Export Agriculture Department

Regulatory Interventions in cross-cutting areas of food system

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term regulatory interventions
1. Prioritize the provision of fuel for agricultural activities. Ministry of Power and Energy,
Interventions possible: Identify a dedicated supply fuel chain for farming communities (both crop and livestock) Ministry of Agriculture
2. Improve decision making in the agri-food sector by ensuring that appropriate bodies and experts are included and Ministry of Agriculture
consulted: Presidential task forces
Immediate interventions to be taken: Take policy decisions to include the heads of Institutions of the mandated
agencies, universities, and leading practitioners in Agriculture related task forces, revoke the gazette notification
on the task forces appointed for agriculture since 27 April 2021; ensure that committees have representatives of
relevant bodies based on nominations through proper channels.
3. Implement, without ad hoc changes, a well-developed national agricultural policy, formulated through broad Ministry of Agriculture
stakeholder consultation
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4. Remove import barriers on nutritious food items, in compliance with the country’s food import control regulations, Ministry of Trade
to enhance the availability of nutritious and affordable food.
Specific actions: Lower import tariffs and para tariffs on essential food items and importable raw materials used in
the production and processing of food products through the facilitation of trade; streamline the distribution of
import licenses on essential food items and protein rich food in particular, remove import bans imposed on high
protein import sources such as green gram and black gram
5. Impose price ceilings and introduce innovative distribution mechanisms to enhance the availability of protein-rich Consumer Affairs Authority
food items targeting vulnerable communities
Specific actions: Introduce price ceilings on essential food items and distribute the products through a ration
scheme for low-income groups through government network, introduce price flows on nutritious food items and
procure the produce through a forward contracting system
Medium-term regulatory interventions
1. Develop and implement a land use policy to ensure the allocation of productive lands for agriculture for sustained Ministry of Agriculture, Land Use
food production and Policy Planning Department,
Forest Department, Department of
Wildlife Conservation
2. Take appropriate steps to identify substitutes for imported food items Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Interventions proposed: Make aware of substitute crops and foods (without compromising the nutritive value); Trade, Consumer Affairs Authority
promote community gardening with resource circulation and efficient resource management; promote post-
harvest management and stakeholder connectivity.
3. Take planned and steady actions to promote exports of agri-food through export promotion and export Export Development Board, Foreign
diversification Missions of Sri Lanka
4. Establish mechanisms to facilitate importation of raw materials used in agri-food industries Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Trade
5. Organize transport of agricultural produce through rail transport with appropriate facilities to reduce food waste Sri Lanka Railways, Ministry of
Agriculture

Institutional Interventions in cross-cutting areas of food system

Mandated agency of the
Proposed Activities government for implementation
Short-term Institutional interventions
1. Take immediate steps to adopt, promote and popularize Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) as a Cabinet Decision Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
at the national level for all agricultural commodities Plantation
2. Restructure agriculture and food related institutes/departments to support the implementation of agriculture Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
crisis management strategies Plantation, Ministry of Irrigation

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3. Provide a fuel subsidy for the supply of production inputs and distribution of the produce on pro-rata basis Ministry of Power and Renewable
Energy, Ministry of Agriculture,
Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Medium-term Institutional interventions
1. Strengthen the GAP-certification program, while addressing capacity and market-related issues Ministry of Agriculture, Department of
Agriculture
2. Take the necessary steps to strengthen coordination among officers who are directly involved in the grassroot Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
level implementation of agriculture development strategies. Plantation, Ministry of Irrigation
Areas to be considered: Provide sufficient training for development officers, including leadership training; provide
target-oriented duties; introduce rewarding systems to encourage effective work practices
3. Develop mechanism to introduce community-owned solar-powered cold storage facilities to farmers while Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
maintaining cold chains. Technology and Investment
Promotion, Ministry of Environment
4. Explore the possibilities of using existing online mobile delivery platforms to create novel value chains to connect Ministry of Technology and
producers with various other supply chain actors (including consumers/industrial consumers) for selling vegetables Investment Promotion
and seeds.

5. Take steps to establish and implement an Overarching Agricultural Policy (OAP) for Sri Lanka until 2030 devoid of Ministry of Finance, Economic
undue interventions by political and other powerful actors, to ensure the effectiveness and the sustainability of its Stability and National Policies,
various subsectors. Periodically review the policy and update practices irrespective of changes in the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
government and political environment. Plantation, Ministry of Irrigation,
Ministry of Power and Renewable
Energy
6. Take appropriate steps to promote export earning enterprises using low-cost interventions
Suggested possibilities: eco-tourism, cottage agri-products for export markets, homemade products

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