In formulating a strategy in order to intervene with assistance to agrarian activities, we commissioned a .rapid assessment report on the post-tsunami situation of the agriculture and livestock sector in affected areas. The report, although complied within a very short period of time, was very comprehensive in its content since it took into consideration all aspects of damage to this sector and therefore, was able to recommend interventions that were holistic and sustainable. Our agro-scientists and livestock experts used the report to formulate a plan for providing assistance and subsequently conducted a pilot project on agriculture recovery with an emphasis on paddy lands. This was due to the fact that agro-scientists in Sri Lanka had never before faced a disaster of this magnitude and realistically understood that a small scale pilot would be absolutely essential before broader activities are implemented.

On successful completion of the pilot, a program was implemented in the Ambalantota and Tissamaharama divisions of the Hambantota district. The program,, supported by financial assistance from GOAL, was designed to recover the agrarian livelihoods of 227 farmers in these two areas who were primarily involved in paddy cultivation. The issues that were to be addressed were the salinity levels of the affected fields, the presence of organic debris (especially prickly pear cacti), the readiness of the farmers to break away from dependency on aid, the strength of farmer organizations, bureaucratic issues vis-à-vis the government, the donor organization and internal methods, the damage sustained by irrigation canals and the levels and concentration of fertilizer used.

Funding for the project was slower than anticipated causing some delay in getting certain inputs (seeds, tools etc.) to the farmers in time for the Yala season. However, these glitches were ironed out and the final assessment determined that the program was a resounding success – most easily assessed by the quality and size of the harvest. We are proud to note that the farmers enjoyed  astonishingly good Yala and Maha crops despite the concerned that existed immediately after the tsunamis and the dire predictions of almost everyone from farmer to activist to donor to agro-scientist.