Thai Embassy supports procurement of maize seed requirements for animal feed
To address the looming shortage of grains for the animal feed industry and maize based food items due to the ongoing socio-economic crisis in Sri Lanka, as a part of the response efforts through the United Nations (UN) joint Humanitarian Needs and Priorities (HNP) Plan, the Royal Thai Embassy in Colombo has supported the procurement of a portion of the country’s maize seed requirements working together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
In addition to the livestock feed industry, maize is a staple input for food items such as Thriposha and Samaposha, for which the demand for seeds has swelled over recent years. The UN has since June been responding to the crisis through its joint HNP, which was recently revised to target the provision of life-saving assistance for 3.4 million Sri Lankans, and extended through the end of December. The Royal Thai Embassy too recognized the immediate need to import Maize seeds and supplement the requirement for the Maha harvest season.
Poj Harnpol, Thai Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated, “Thailand supports the concerted efforts of the UN programmes to maintain sustainable livelihoods of the affected Sri Lankans. This contribution is one of the packages of Thailand’s donation to Sri Lanka including medicines, medical supplies, food, and financial support from both the Government sectors as well as people’s sectors from Thailand.”
Mahinda Amaraweera, Minister of Agriculture commented, “We are grateful to the Royal Kingdom of Thailand, for their generous support, for providing 14.5 Metric Tons of hybrid seeds, which is sufficient for 2900 farmers, at this crucial time. My sincere appreciation to UNDP, for speeding up the procurement, and purchasing seeds, within a short period.” Resident Coordinator, United Nations in Sri Lanka, Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said, “The Thai Government’s generous maize donation comes at a crucial time as Sri Lanka approaches the end of the Maha planting season. It also aligns with our focus on supporting production for a sustainable recovery, since it will boost feedstock for the poultry industry, which is a key source of high-quality protein for vulnerable populations.”
Malin Herwig, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP in Sri Lanka stated, “We look forward to working closely with the Government of Thailand in the timely supply of Maize to resource poor farmers in the Dry Zone that are especially vulnerable due to the socio-economic crisis, to look beyond critical development efforts.”