On September 15, Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Agriculture convened a pre-season meeting involving the Mahaweli Authority, agricultural officials, irrigation engineers, and local government representatives to prepare for the 2023/27 Maha cultivation season. Known as Samata Pavamana, this annual planning session aims to coordinate crop selections, cultivation schedules, and water allocation to ensure optimal use of resources amid mounting food security concerns.
The 2023 Maha season, covering approximately 225,293 hectares of cultivable land, has set a target of 228,908 hectares, with around 70% planned for paddy cultivation. However, officials acknowledged potential adjustments of up to 30% depending on water availability and alternative crop requirements in regions such as tea and barley growing areas, along with the Jaffna blocks. Water resource management remains a critical focus, as rainfall patterns are forecast to be irregular, leading to depleted water sources across major irrigation zones.
Key water sources including Udawalawa, Malwathu, and Kurunegala basins are expected to experience reduced availability between late September and mid-November. Consequently, regional planting strategies have been recommended to maximize crop yields while conserving irrigation supplies. The Mahaweli Authority set a target of 218,334 hectares, with 95% dedicated to short-duration paddy varieties to mitigate risks posed by potential water shortages. Farmers have been given a strict three-week window for land preparation, with no allowances for delay, highlighting the urgency for timely planting.
Weather forecasts presented at the meeting underscored heightened risks associated with an evolving El Niño event, which international meteorological organizations have linked to intensified droughts and food security threats in Sri Lanka. The World Meteorological Organization and the World Food Programme have issued warnings about the strong likelihood of El Niño conditions persisting through late 2023 into early 2024, potentially exacerbating dry spells during critical cultivation periods from January to March.
Agricultural experts recalled previous El Niño events that led to significant paddy production declines during consecutive seasons dating back to the 1970s, noting that prolonged dry spells during planting and growth phases can severely reduce water availability and crop yields. Officials stressed the importance of early sowing to capture monsoonal rains, preserve reservoir levels, and avoid the severe impacts of drought.
In addition to rural agricultural challenges, urban areas such as Colombo face compounding difficulties from heavy rainfall, flooding, and drainage system failures. Experts cited issues related to blocked waterways, inefficient waste disposal, and compacted soils, which hamper water runoff and exacerbate urban flooding. Over 3,000 residents in Colombo have been affected by drainage-related flooding, underscoring the need for improved urban water management infrastructure.
Environmental scientists emphasized that integrated approaches to waste management, drainage planning, and sustainable water use are essential to mitigate flood risks while conserving resources for agricultural and urban demands. They called for increased public awareness, better enforcement of waste disposal regulations, and investment in advanced technologies to balance environmental resilience with economic development.
As Sri Lanka confronts the dual pressures of climate variability and resource constraints, government agencies, international bodies, and local communities are working together to navigate a challenging Maha season, aiming to safeguard food production and manage water sustainably amid evolving environmental conditions.