Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
Tuesday, 12 May 2026 05:50 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
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| Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lal Kantha |
The Government yesterday rejected claims of a fertiliser shortage, insisting that adequate stocks are available for the ongoing Yala cultivation season, even as farmers in several districts reported delays in receiving supplies and raised concerns over the quality of fertiliser distributed through Agrarian Service Centres.
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K. D. Lal Kantha said fertiliser was being distributed through Govi Jana Seva centres across the country and assured that there would be no shortage affecting key crops including paddy, tea, coconut and vegetables during the Yala season.
He said the Ministry had temporarily halted fertiliser distribution through private-sector channels over the past few days but distribution would now resume under normal arrangements. Lal Kantha acknowledged that there were logistical and distribution-related issues and said the Ministry was intervening to resolve them.
The Minister also alleged that attempts were being made to create public concern over a purported fertiliser shortage and inflated procurement prices, warning that legal action would be pursued against those spreading false claims.
Department of Agriculture Director General Dr. Thushara Wickramaarachchi said the Government had decided to permit private-sector distribution of urea fertiliser and expressed confidence that the current disruptions would be resolved within the week. He said sufficient fertiliser stocks were available locally and added that procurement plans for the forthcoming Maha season had already been prepared.
