Govt. to release fertiliser for tea in two weeks

Friday, 19 September 2025 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Plantations Minister Samantha Vidyaratna addressing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation and Community

Govt. making plans for land unused by plantation companies

The Parliament Secretariat yesterday said the Government was introducing a mechanism to provide fertiliser to tea cultivators within two weeks.

Plantations Minister Samantha Vidyaratna announced the plan while chairing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation and Community Infrastructure earlier this month.

He said the Government had paid attention to ensuring fertiliser is provided without delay and that, under the new mechanism, farmers would be able to obtain fertiliser from any location they prefer.

Issues related to increasing and promoting coconut production were also discussed. The Minister noted that a pilot project has been launched in the Kalutara area to boost coconut output, which could be expanded to other areas in the future. In addition, the meeting addressed matters including the Indian Housing Project for plantation areas.

Vidyaratna further said plantation companies have been asked to rehabilitate abandoned areas of tea and rubber plantations. If they fail to take appropriate steps, a decision will be taken to utilise such land for cultivation activities.