More efforts needed to trim food loss: Dept. of National Planning

 As Sri Lanka is one of the countries under high threat of​​ food insecurity, the island nation has much to do to reduce the post-harvest food loss, one of the key factors contributing to the ongoing food crisis.
The Department of National Planning yesterday said that despite several efforts taken to address the food crisis, the efforts and outcomes of reducing food loss is well below expected levels.

“The government and the private sector have done the necessary to increase food production and productivity methods. However, in the area of food loss our attention is not at all satisfactory,” said Department of National Planning - Agriculture Sector Director Rohitha Wickramarathna.
With regard to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2.1.2, and SDG 2.1.1, which refer to the prevalence of moderate and severe food insecurity, and the prevalence of undernourishment, he stressed although several initiatives have been taken over the years, it is unsure if the targets can be realised before 2030.
“It is a challenge for us,” he said.

To reduce the food loss, National Planning director said the relevant authorities and stakeholders have to take up few essential steps.

The first is to bring in the necessary technology, one that is cost-effective and relevant to the Sri Lankan context, at the correct time.

Active efforts are needed to scatter the small farmers across the country onto one system and main streaming them so that they can contribute effectively to the value chain.

“The scattering of farmers is a serious issue faced at the moment. We need to formulate a strategy to ensure all of them are brought to a single platform to make the most of the output and create a win-win situation,” said Wickramarathna.

The third is making available data with regard to  agriculture output. The need of the hour is to have real-time information systems in place. Even after the system is implemented, active efforts must be taken to update it regularly, failing which the purpose will be lost, he highlighted.