Full Breakdown
Sri Lanka's Agricultural Crisis Following Cyclone Ditwah
12/19/2025, 9:23:03 PM
Devastation of Crops and Livelihoods
In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah struck Sri Lanka, causing extensive damage to agricultural lands and displacing thousands of families. The cyclone affected key growing regions for rice, vegetables, and maize, impacting nearly 1.8 million farming families. According to government data, the cyclone flooded approximately 535,000 hectares (1.3 million acres) of farmland, with over 120,000 hectares (297,000 acres) completely washed away or buried under mud and sand. The agriculture ministry's initial estimates indicate that about 95,799 hectares (237,000 acres) of various field crops suffered severe damage, alongside 13,463 hectares (33,300 acres) of maize, pulses, bananas, and vegetables.
Farmers like Kalanchi Dewage Risman, who rely on rice farming for their livelihoods, face daunting challenges in replanting their fields. Risman, whose two-acre tract was inundated, expressed concerns about going deeper into debt to recover, as late planting could jeopardize the harvest. The cyclone's aftermath has left many farmers pooling resources to salvage their fields, while others, like Niluka Yaparatne, have lost their homes to landslides triggered by the storm.
Economic Implications and Government Response
The economic fallout from Cyclone Ditwah is significant, with food inflation projected to double from 3% in November. Raynal Wickremeratne, research co-head at Softlogic Stockbrokers, noted that the country may need to import rice to manage the current agricultural crisis. Agriculture Secretary D. P. Wickramasinghe announced that over 15 billion rupees (approximately $48 million) has been earmarked for compensation, which will begin distribution this week. However, he ruled out immediate rice imports, emphasizing the importance of swift replanting and irrigation repairs to salvage large swathes of the rice crop.
Wickramasinghe encouraged farmers to replant by the end of December, stating that some fields could recover from the floods, with an expected rice production of about 3.5 million metric tons, which he believes would be sufficient to meet demand.
Criticism and Concerns
Despite government assurances, many farmers remain skeptical about the compensation process and the feasibility of recovery. Risman highlighted the financial burden of purchasing heavy machinery, seed paddy, and fertilizer, amounting to 175,000 rupees ($566), while also managing existing debts. Yaparatne, now living with relatives after evacuating her home, expressed frustration over rising rental prices and the uncertainty of finding stable housing for her family.
Verbatim Quotes
- "I have to clear out the mud, level out the field, and then plant again." — Kalanchi Dewage Risman, Farmer
- "We built it bit by bit and finally completed it in 2022." — Niluka Yaparatne, Displaced Resident
- "Farmers need state support. It's not just a loss of crop, it's also the cost of rebuilding the fields and the costs of replanting and fertiliser." — Raynal Wickremeratne, Softlogic Stockbrokers
- "We are encouraging farmers to replant by end December." — D. P. Wickramasinghe, Agriculture Secretary
The situation remains precarious for Sri Lanka's agricultural sector as farmers grapple with the immediate aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah and the long-term implications for food security and economic stability.
