Import ban on chemical fertilizers could plunge country to famine: SJB

6 May 2021 02:35 pm - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka will be heading for a famine with the government’s latest decision to ban importing chemical fertilizer and pesticides, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) said today.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madumma Bandara told a press conference that Sri Lanka’s paddy yield will be dropped by 40% while export earnings generated through tea by 50%, revenue loss from Cinnamon and 20% revenue drop from coconut exports will result in government’s decision to ban the import of chemical fertilizers.

“Experts have warned that there would be a famine in the country before long as a result of these decisions by the government. This could lead the country to go back to the era where there were long queues to buy bread and essential foodstuff” Mr. Madduma Bandara said.

“It is true that some chemicals such as cadmium affect the kidneys. However steps should be taken to import fertilizer with low cadmium strength,” he added.

Also he said one should realize that chemical fertilizer is pertinent to get maximum yield out of hybrid seeds that are available today. “What is needed is a long term plan to shift to organic fertilizer,” he said.(Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 9

Sammy Thursday, 06 May 2021 03:16 PM

Import bans on various items are placed haphazardly, instead of improving the local production capabilities

Mahesh Thursday, 06 May 2021 05:10 PM

True.. This is similer to Sirimavo policies..

Upali jayasekera Thursday, 06 May 2021 06:01 PM

Sjb is always having negative views on good measures to benifit the country on long term basis the rise of cancer and kidney patients in the country as proved by medical experties are due to use of chemical fertilizer. These measures are good for our children ad future generation so temporary suffer should be tolerated for the sake of the country if not we are not good countrymen.

Vegan Thursday, 06 May 2021 06:11 PM

We can grow all what we want in Port City sands!!!

Ranaweera Thursday, 06 May 2021 10:38 PM

SJB is former UNP who represents the interests of companies importing these poisonous fertiliser. Shameless guys.

vithura Friday, 07 May 2021 01:33 AM

If farmers are incentivised to cultivate crops that can grow using organic fertilisers and organic weed killers that do not compromise their yield, it would be roundly applauded!

Lal Friday, 07 May 2021 02:17 AM

This decision was too extreme. Only pesticide should have be banned. Timing was poor too. Should have waited until covid ends

dot Friday, 07 May 2021 04:51 AM

its a choice .Increase yield with chemical fertilizers and feed the people with food that would have health hazards , or use the traditional fertilizers and may be less in the market but quality products ..substitute with other staples and lead a healthy life .

Jeff Friday, 07 May 2021 08:26 AM

Typical sri lankans all way complaints.when something to be done specially health concerns with consuming chemicals toxic what would you do....you representing the country and people very sad......

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Import ban on chemical fertilizers could plunge country to famine: SJB

Comments - 9

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