Govt. optimistic of higher yields by mixing organic and chemical fertiliser

Wednesday, 1 December 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Agriculture and Plantation Ministries permitted to import required quantities of chemical fertiliser
Cabinet Co-Spokesman insists prominence still given to organic cultivation
Push for organic farming with State support to continue with subsidised rate for compost, but chemical fertiliser will only be sold at market price

By Charumini de Silva

Following the major agriculture policy reversal, the Government yesterday said it is optimistic of higher yields and productivity by use of both organic and chemical fertiliser in the next season.

Last week, the Government lifted the ban on the import and use of chemical fertiliser, much to the relief of the critical agriculture sector.

“The Government has permitted the Agriculture and Plantation Ministries to import required quantities of chemical fertiliser, whilst the prominence is still given to organic cultivation,” Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday.

Although the push for organic farming with State support would continue with organic fertiliser to be provided at a subsidised rate, he reiterated that chemical fertiliser will only be sold at the market price.

“We are hopeful that a proper mix of organic and chemical fertiliser will provide new impetus to our productivity and production to sprout,” Dr. Pathirana added. Almost all segments of the agriculture sector condemned the abrupt decision by the Government to ban the use of chemical fertiliser in April and the accompanying rush for organic replacement.

Concerns were raised over a sharp drop in yield and cost, leading to a food crisis. The saner advice even by scientists, agriculture experts and those in academia was a phased-out shift.

However, the Government, especially the President, vehemently opposed constructive criticism and pragmatic recommendations. He said any loss of yield would be financially compensated using the savings from the $ 400 million spent annually on import of chemical fertiliser and related inputs.

The unavailability of chemical fertiliser and pesticides led to huge drop in harvest and the scarce of fruits and vegetables reflected in all-time high prices in the local markets as well.