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.