Govt. to import 300,000 MT of fertiliser for Maha Season

• Paddy farmers to be given fertiliser free-of-charge, others to pay Rs. 1,500 per 50 kg
• Appeals for farmers not to overuse fertiliser  
• Imports by selected fertiliser companies to be capped at 5,000 MT

The Cabinet approval has been given to import 300,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fertiliser to meet requirements of the Maha Season, an official said yesterday, adding that the Government has decided to distribute all paddy fertiliser free-of-charge.  

Cabinet Co-Spokesman Dr. Ramesh Pathirana speaking to reporters said that the decision had been made to support farmers who were faced with numerous difficulties due to sporadic changes in the fertiliser subsidy policy during the previous administration, which included non-payment to the companies importing fertiliser and the influx of low quality fertiliser into the market. 

“Therefore, it was decided to provide the fertiliser free-of-charge for paddy farmers in the same way it was done before 2015. The Government will take steps to quickly import 230,000 metric tons of fertiliser required by the paddy farmers for the Maha Season 2020/21 across Government fertiliser companies.”

Cabinet approving a Cabinet paper jointly presented by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage granted permission for an additional 300,000 metric tons of fertiliser to be imported. The consignments are expected to be in Sri Lanka at the end of this month.

“This decision was made considering that only 40,000 metric tons of fertiliser is currently available with fertiliser companies for satisfying the requirement of 332,000 metric tons of fertiliser for the Maha Season for other crops excluding paddy cultivation,” Dr. Pathirana added. 

Companies selected by the Government will only be able to import a maximum of 5,000 metric tons each. Farmers engaged in non-paddy farming activities will have to purchase fertiliser at Rs. 1,500 per 50 kg pack.  

“We appeal to farmers to refrain from overusing fertiliser and the Government is looking at a way to bring in fresh regulations to limit the use of chemical fertiliser and encourage using organic fertiliser. The Government is also looking to boost productivity of plantation companies and hopes to being in a policy framework soon to increase production and move Sri Lanka past the 300 million kg level we have been at for several years.”