text: Sri Lanka’s government has lifted its ban on chemical fertilizers. This reversal comes amid a severe economic crisis and widespread food shortages. The ban, implemented in May 2021, aimed to make Sri Lanka fully adopt sustainable farming practices.
  Rice yields, a staple in Sri Lanka, dropped by 40-50% nationwide. This decrease happened during the Maha growing season after the organic policy started. Sri Lanka had to import 300,000 metric tonnes of rice in just three months.
  The new policies have hurt Sri Lankan farmers financially. Many can’t afford essential farming inputs, and some have stopped farming altogether. Food inflation is around 30% and expected to rise further.
  Foreign reserves have shrunk to $1.8 billion. This makes it hard for the government to afford imports, including fertilizers. Experts call the food crisis a “man-made disaster”.
  Increased hardships are expected in the coming months. Children and pregnant women are particularly at risk. The government is trying to address growing concerns about food availability and accessibility.
  Impact of Fertilizer Ban on Sri Lankan Farmers
  Sri Lanka’s 2021 chemical fertilizer ban has severely affected smallholder farmers. The ban aimed to reduce imported fertilizer dependence and promote organic farming. However, it resulted in widespread crop failures and decreased agricultural output.
  Before the ban, 2 million Sri Lankan farmers relied on subsidized chemical fertilizers. The abrupt shift to organic farming left many struggling to adapt. Some farmers experienced a 50-60% decrease in harvests, devastating their incomes.
  Many farmers now can’t afford essential farming inputs like pesticides and equipment. This has made it hard for them to maintain their farms and livelihoods.
  Inability to Afford Farming Inputs
  The fertilizer ban and economic crisis have made it tough for farmers to buy necessary inputs. Many have taken high-interest loans for pesticides and other essentials. This has worsened their financial situation.
  Lack of affordable farm subsidies has left many unable to sustain their farms. This has led to widespread poverty and food insecurity in rural areas.
  Farmers Abandoning Cultivation
  Many smallholder farmers in Sri Lanka have decided to quit farming altogether. Reduced crop yields and increased input costs have made it impossible to sustain their farms.
  Farmers are now seeking alternative income sources, often in urban areas. This trend has significantly reduced agricultural output across the country. It’s contributing to ongoing food shortages and economic instability.
  Government Reverses Organic Farming Policy Amidst Food Shortages
  Sri Lanka’s government has recognized the need to change its organic farming policy. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa admitted mistakes that require fixing to address food security issues. The goal is to boost domestic food production and ease growing protests.
  The government has asked the World Bank for help to buy fertilizers. They plan to bring back subsidies for farmers. However, the details of these changes are still unclear.
  Farmers remain doubtful about the government’s ability to keep its promises. This is due to the severe shortage of foreign currency in the country.
  The chemical input ban has severely impacted crop yields. The last maha seasonal harvest dropped by 37% compared to the previous year. This is the lowest yield since 2003/04.
  Food insecurity has affected about 6.3 million people in Sri Lanka as of September 2022. Food inflation has reached a staggering 94.9%.
  To tackle the crisis, Sri Lanka secured a $55 million credit line from India Exim Bank. This money will be used to purchase fertilizers.
  The government also had to pay $6.87 million for unsuitable organic fertilizer from China. This was due to their short-lived organic farming policy.
  IFOAM – Organics International is organizing workshops to support Sri Lanka. These aim to help the country transition to organic agriculture more sustainably. The focus is on reforms that prioritize food security and domestic production.
  Economic Crisis Exacerbates Agricultural Challenges
  Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has worsened farmers’ struggles after the organic farming policy. Foreign reserves are low, and inflation is high. Shortages of fuel, food, and medicine have become common.
  The country’s foreign debt skyrocketed from $11.3 billion in 2005 to $56.3 billion in 2020. In 2021, it reached 119% of the GDP. Sri Lanka defaulted on its debt in April 2022.
  Rising fuel costs make it hard for farmers to grow and transport crops. Power cuts disrupt irrigation and milling. The government raised taxes to increase revenue.
  Experts warn that food access and affordability will remain big issues. Vulnerable populations may face increased malnutrition. Many farmers are abandoning their livelihoods due to these challenges.
  Globally, 193 million people faced food insecurity in 2021. In East Africa, 265 million live on less than $1.90 per day. About 40% of the population there has poor access to food.
  A review of recent literature shows urgent need for solutions. These must address the complex issues facing Sri Lankan farmers and the broader population.