The Impact of Non-scienc-based Agrochemical Policy Decisions ‐ Lessons from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s past regulations of highly hazardous pesticides, based on health and environmental concerns, have saved hundreds of thousands of lives without apparent effect on agricultural output. However, in 2021, the government introduced a sudden national ban on importing all synthetic agrochemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides, due to the country’s COVID-19 ravaged economy. This policy decision caused uncertainty among farmers and led to a sharp decrease in crop planting and therefore, yields, posing a threat to the country’s food security. Drastic agrochemical policy decisions that are not evidence-based can threaten food security and lead to disastrous economic and societal consequences. This holds valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.