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As country’s economic woes deepened Kohila consumption jumped by 45 percent
By Ifham Nizam
A new study conducted by the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agricultural Training and Research Institute has revealed the devastating impact of the economic crisis on the food consumption patterns of Sri Lankan citizens.
According to the report, the domestic demand for Kohila surged by 45 percent during the 2021-2022 period, as citizens were forced to manage with whatever vegetables they could find. In stark contrast, consumption of beans, carrots, pumpkin, brinjal, and leafy vegetables plummeted by 30 percent.
The research report, titled “Economic Crisis and Household Food Security in Sri Lanka- 2022,” paints a bleak picture of the situation in the country. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera stated that between September 2021 and the end of 2022, food inflation skyrocketed to an alarming 95 percent. The report also notes that this crisis is the worst economic downturn the country has experienced since gaining independence.
The report highlights the devastating impact on the food consumption habits of Sri Lankan citizens, with 86 percent of the population forced to change their diets due to a reduction in the amount of food items available. A further 75 percent had to reduce the quantity of food they used to prepare meals, while 45 percent reduced the frequency of eating altogether. A staggering 38 percent even had to cut back on the amount of food they ate.
The crisis has hit the estate sector particularly hard, with nearly 68 percent of workers having to spend the majority of their daily earnings on food. In Ratnapura, Ampara, Matara, and Hambantota districts, 75 percent of people have been forced to spend all their earnings on food just to make ends meet. The report indicates that 43 percent of the urban sector, 52 percent of the rural sector, and 67 percent of the plantation sector are now suffering from food insecurity.
The situation is even more dire when it comes to nutrition. A significant proportion of Sri Lankan citizens are now unable to access protein-rich food, with 25 percent in urban areas, 03 percent in rural areas, and 07 percent in plantation areas being affected. An even greater number of people are deficient in vitamin A foods, with 66 percent in urban areas, 46 percent in rural areas, and 41 percent in plantation areas affected. During the survey period, a shocking 56 percent of the population were unable to access any food containing iron. The report also confirmed that 78 percent of plantation workers were unable to consume meat and fish, which are essential sources of haem iron.
While the report paints a bleak picture, there is some cause for optimism. Food inflation has now reduced to 57 percent in 2023, down from its peak of 95 percent in October 2022. Amaraweera has called for more surveys like this to be conducted every three months in collaboration with academics to keep track of the situation and ensure that Sri Lankan citizens are able to access adequate food in the future.
Latest News
Food Policy and Security Committee recommends importation of rice to ensure an uninterrupted supply
The Food Policy and Security Committee has recommended the importation of rice in the near future to ensure an uninterrupted supply for consumers.
A notable increase in rice prices has been observed in the market, along with reports of shortages of certain rice varieties, despite the current harvest season.
Given this situation, discussions were held regarding the need for the Cabinet to prioritize the maintenance of sufficient stock, through rice imports.
The Committee, chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation K.D. Lalkantha and Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vasantha Samarasinghe, convened for the fifth time at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (01). The meeting aimed to formulate policy decisions to ensure food security.
During the discussions, it was revealed that due to excessive rainfall this year, crop damage occurred on two occasions, leading to a significant reduction in the expected harvest.
Furthermore, during the meeting it was stated that the improper use of rice for animal feed is another major reason contributing to the rice shortage. As a result, the Committee also focused on the importation of broken rice for animal feed and the use of alternative feeds to mitigate the impact on livestock production.
Accordingly, the Food Policy and Security Committee approved the formation of a Committee, led by the Director General of Agriculture, to oversee the importation of the required quantity of broken rice through proper mechanisms.
Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, and other members of the Food Policy and Security Committee, including Ministry Secretaries, participated in the discussions.
The People of Myanmar are facing immense hardships caused by the devastating earthquake on 28th March and as reported by the international media reports the death toll is over 2,700. Furthermore, it has been reported that many people are missing while, a large number of individuals have been injured and are receiving treatment.
Considering the long – term close relationship between the two nations as two Buddhist states, the Cabinet of Ministers has decided to provide,
• A sum of United States Dollars One Million
• Transportation for the dry rations collected by Buddhist clergy and other donors
• To have a group of medical officers and health staff on standby for immediate departure to Myanmar if necessary
Latest News
Cabinet appoints ministerial committee to submit report on sanctions imposed on 04 Sri Lankans by the United Kingdom
Attention of the Cabinet of Ministers have been drawn on the decisions taken by the United Kingdom to impose sanctions on four Sri Lankan individuals recently, and have decided to appoint a committee comprised of three ministers to submit a report with recommendations on the further measures to be taken after studying the facts in the regard and to empower the committee to obtain the service of any officer/intellect deemed to have subject expertise in the relevant field and considered essential.
The committee will comprise of :
– Vijitha Herath Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism
– Attorney – at – Law Harshana Nanayakkara Minister of Justice and National Integrity
– Aruna Jayasekara Deputy Minister of Defence
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