By Prof. Samitha Hettige

The Chola Empire in South India was at its peak by 2^nd century BC & Elara rule in  northern Sri Lanka indicated its strength (200 – 161 BC). Abhaya Gamani I (Dutu Gemunu) after defeating Elara united the island for the 1^st time & ruled till 137 BC. The ‘Dutu Gemunu - Elara war’ is sometimes analyzed as a regional eruption of the global trade war between Chola & Persian Empires. Persia (Iran) had been the most developed civilization in Central Asia during that era with an army of approx. one million. Dutu Gemunu is respected by Buddhists for constructing the Ruvanweliseya. Its foundation had been layed on a Vesak day (May full moon day) & the event had been attended by international dignitaries including a 300 strong team from Persia (Ref. Chapter 29 - Mahavansa). The strong Agri industry his brother managed is believed to be the strength behind Dutu Gemunu to usher speedy post conflict social development. Godawaya in the south where Iranians frequented till the 5^th century AD must have been the main port linking Sri Lanka with Iran. East Asian history indicating Persia obtaining rice via trade routes from South Asia & maritime routes even during 5^th & 6^th century AD strengthens this argument. Although Uma-oya project gifted by Iran during Mahinda R (who defeated LTTE & constructed ‘Sandahiru-seya’) is of a different nature, substances with water proofing qualities found in the ancient Maduruoya dam etc. must be indicating possible Persian technological investments to increase rice production 25 centuries ago.

Iran’s impact on fertilizer

When Pediatricians were pricing fertilizer for Gotabaya R, Sri Lankans wouldn’t have imagined that Iranians would do same few years later. When Iran fired missiles on regional plants which burn natural gas to produce Ammonia, it affected production. Ammonia is converted into Urea & thus Iran is already affecting fertilizer price hikes. Approx 40% price hikes noted in South Asian markets will have a direct impact on the price of rice & other Agri products in the coming months. Prices are said to be the highest since Ukraine went on fire in 2022.  Therefore, to prevent food security conflicts, Sri Lankans will have to be very efficient in managing rice production & protecting the harvest. In the 1970s rice from the moon was politics & in 2020 Chinese scientists proved it a possibility.

Mice on the Moon

Rodents are one of the biggest threats to rice stocks & Chinese scientists have taken another step recently to test if Rodents can prevail in space. A female mouse that spent time aboard China’s space station in 2025 has birthed her 3^rd consecutive litter on earth. China sent four mice to space in the Shenzhou-21 mission (October 31, 2025) marking China's 1^st small mammal experiment in orbit. The mice spent about 14 days in a specialized habitat in microgravity before returning to earth in November 2025. Soon after returning, one female conceived & delivered its 1^st litter (nine pups). Later she birthed two more litters (10 & 9 pups each). Scientists noticed the increase in the size of each litter which exceeded typical terrestrial litters (5 – 7 pups). The behavioral pattern of the pups from each litter is also notable. Pups from the 1^st were more socially anxious & hiding in shelters frequently. Pups from the 2^nd have been more confident & explored the environment readily & the 3^rd litter pups have demonstrated improved adaptation to ground living conditions (Ref. Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Zoology).

In essence, successive litters have shown improved adaptation to ground living conditions compared to the previous. These findings will enable scientists to answer fundamental questions for the future of humanity on earth & in space. It also highlights the need to ensure food security on earth & elsewhere.

The rodenticides market

As per a research by Spherical Insights & Consulting, the global rodenticides market size is expected to grow from 5.93 billion USD (in 2024) to 10.89 billion USD by 2035 (a Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.68 % during the forecast period 2025 – 2035). This is expected to offer opportunities through eco friendly, less toxic formulations, integrated pest management options for the growing demand from agriculture, food storage, & public health sectors worldwide. Sri Lankans if interested may invest in rodenticides to ensure food security but if they wish to be resilient, China’s Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) is a guaranteed option to face the uncertainties coming with the Iran conflict.

Views expressed are personal/ photo source www.