WFP and KOICA Partner with Sri Lanka to Boost Nutrition for Nearly 1 Million Children and Mothers

COLOMBO (News 1st);  The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a five‑year “Sow and Grow” project valued at USD 10 million, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented in partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka.

The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s Thriposha programme by boosting the production of high‑quality local maize and ensuring a steady supply of Thriposha for children under five, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Thriposha, a fortified supplementary food, has long served as a crucial nutrition safety net for vulnerable mothers and children across the country. Under the new project, WFP will support efforts to increase local maize production, improve grain quality, and fortify supply chains to ensure a sustainable national supply.

The project will assist 7,500 farmers across the Anuradhapura, Monaragala and Badulla districts. It focuses on enhancing productivity, promoting climate‑smart agricultural practices, and reducing post‑harvest losses.

The initiative will also connect farmers with aggregators and Sri Lanka Thriposha Limited, improving market access and securing a reliable supply of locally produced maize, reducing dependence on imports and mitigating climate‑related risks.

“Sow and Grow” is expected to improve nutrition for more than 650,000 children under five and over 330,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women throughout Sri Lanka.

The project will be implemented in collaboration with multiple government ministries, including the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security & Cooperative Development, and the Ministry of Finance.

Lee Yoo Li, Country Director of KOICA Sri Lanka, said the agency is proud to support a project that strengthens the maize value chain while safeguarding nutrition for mothers and children. She said KOICA’s partnership with the Sri Lankan government and WFP aims to assist both farming communities and national nutrition security.

WFP Representative and Country Director Philip Ward said maize farmers and processors are under increasing pressure due to climate shocks and market challenges. “‘Sow and Grow’ is timely. By reinforcing the food system, we are safeguarding Thriposha as a reliable, locally produced lifeline for mothers and children across Sri Lanka,” he said.

KOICA has long partnered with WFP on resilience‑building programmes for farmers.

Through this new investment, both organisations aim to help Sri Lanka build a more resilient food system that protects vulnerable communities while strengthening long‑term national food security and rural livelihoods.

A ceremonial launch featured the Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment, the Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security & Cooperative Development, the KOICA Country Director, and the WFP Sri Lanka Representative.