Agri Ministry begins accepting public complaints fertiliser price gouging

The National Fertiliser Secretariat today called on the public to lodge complaints with regard to overpriced fertiliser, and warned errant sellers could have their dealership cancelled.

The Secretariat also observed that as fertiliser is imported as part of the fertiliser subsidy given by the Government utilising public funds, it can be categorised as a public property.

“The number of daily complaints that fertiliser dealers are selling fertiliser at prices higher than fixed prices is increasing,” the statement said.

The price of a 50kg pack of subsidised fertiliser for crops other than paddy is Rs. 1000 and the price of a mixed fertiliser pack is Rs. 1150, with prices printed on the pack. The government bears all the costs of fertilisers, while there is a set price with regard to the transportation costs of fertiliser companies and dividends of dealers.

“Accordingly, subsidised fertiliser is a public property. Every offence in respect of subsidised fertiliser can be punished under the Public Property Act. Any civilian can complain on irregularities in the supply of fertiliser,” added the release.

Fertiliser companies have been instructed to cancel dealerships of dealers who sell fertiliser at higher prices. Complaints can be lodged at 113403931 and 113403794 through the Media Division of the Ministry of Agriculture. Considering this situation, arrangements have been made to sell subsidised chemical fertiliser for vegetables, fruits and field crops through agrarian service centres on the recommendation of the Agriculture Instructor.