11/5/2024
With the support of generous donors in Qatar and as part of efforts to enhance food security and alleviate economic and social pressures on farmers, especially amid the current economic crisis and rising rates of poverty and unemployment, Qatar Charity's office in Sri Lanka has implemented a project to distribute agricultural fertilizers to nearly 3,500 small-scale farmers, particularly those whose farms and crops have been affected by natural disasters such as floods and landslides.
This initiative comes at a time when farmers are struggling with resource shortages and high fertilizer prices, which have impacted their crop yields. Providing these essential agricultural inputs supports farmers by ensuring they can continue their work and sustain agricultural production.
Resource Shortages
In this context, Mr. Tilakaratne, Director of Agriculture in Kurunegala Province, stated: "The farmers of Kurunegala were in urgent need of fertilizers when this program was introduced. Timely distribution is key to preventing a major agricultural crisis in the region. This has led to community stability and will also help maintain production."
For her part, Ms. Anula Saman Kumari, a small farmer in Kurunegala, remarked, "Without the fertilizers, I wouldn’t have been able to farm this season. The prices were too high, and none were available locally. This distribution is a blessing that came at the right time, and now I can cultivate my crops well.
I am very grateful to the generous people of Qatar and Qatar Charity for this support."
Preserving Crops
Ms. Ajita Monikaram, Director of Agriculture in Matale Province, noted: "Matale is a vital area for the local consumption and export of crops such as spices and vegetables. With the distribution of fertilizers, we can ensure our farmers' production remains stable, thus preventing shortages of these essential crops."
Meanwhile, Mr. Sumabala, a farmer from Matale, expressed, "We were really worried about the upcoming season. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford the fertilizers I needed, but this program has saved my farm. Now, I can look forward to a good harvest and provide a decent life for my family."
In a related note, Dr. Dibani Liyanage, Director of Agriculture in the province, emphasized the importance of the project, stating: "The distribution of fertilizers has been a lifeline for farmers in Monaragala. We were on the verge of a massive crop failure, but this support has enabled our farmers to continue farming and harvesting normally."
It is worth mentioning that Qatar Charity previously signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industries to enhance food security in Sri Lanka and provide agricultural inputs that help farmers continue farming as their primary source of income and ensure the supply of essential nutrients to the Sri Lankan community. In this regard, Qatar Charity has also distributed tractors to several farmers to enhance their capabilities and improve their agricultural output.