COLOMBO, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan authorities on Friday advised farmers to bring forward planting for the 2026/27 Maha paddy cultivation season to withstand heavy rains and prepare for an El Nino-driven dry spell early next year.
The advisory came as meteorological forecasts indicate above-average rainfall across the island in October and November due to prevailing El Nino conditions and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole.
The Department of Agriculture urged farmers to begin land preparation as soon as possible and complete sowing between Oct. 15 and Oct. 25, while noting that earlier sowing would ensure crops are about a month old when heavier rains are expected in November, reducing the risk of damage from flooding.
Sri Lanka is targeting about 830,000 hectares of paddy cultivation during the upcoming Maha season. The revised schedule follows forecasts for above-average rainfall in October and November.
In the meantime, water conservation is also advised as meteorological authorities forecast temperatures to rise and rainfall to decline during January, February and March 2027. Authorities said that stricter water discipline is vital to guarantee a successful Yala cultivation season in 2027.
In paddy areas facing water shortages, farmers are encouraged to cultivate other field crops, including maize, green gram, cowpea and finger millet. Those shifting to such crops on paddy land will remain eligible for fertilizer subsidies.
Sri Lankan agricultural cultivation is traditionally carried out on two monsoon cycles. The Yala cultivation season, spanning from May to September, is driven by the southwest monsoon, while the Maha cultivation season from October to January next year is driven by the northeast monsoon. ■