No shortage of fertilizer; stocks exceed requirement: Deputy Minister

Colombo, April 11 (Daily Mirror) - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Namal Karunaratne today (11) assured that there is no shortage of fertilizer in the country, stating that current stocks exceed the required levels for cultivation.

Speaking during a tour at the Moragollagama Agrarian Service Center, the Deputy Minister urged farmers not to have unnecessary fears regarding fertilizer availability.

He said that sufficient quantities of key fertilizers, including Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and Muriate of Potash (MOP), are available for the upcoming Maha season. While around 13,000 metric tons of MOP were used during the last Yala season, the country currently holds approximately 38,000 metric tons in stock.

Addressing concerns over urea shortages, he revealed that a new shipment carrying 25,000 metric tons of urea has recently arrived in the country to meet demand. Existing stocks are being distributed through agrarian service centres islandwide, he added.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted government measures to cushion farmers from rising global fertilizer prices, driven by ongoing war conditions. Although the market price of a fertilizer bundle has risen to around Rs 17,000, the government is providing it to farmers at a subsidized rate of Rs 10,200.

Additionally, the fertilizer subsidy has been increased to alleviate the financial burden on farmers. The subsidy, previously set at Rs. 30,000 for two hectares, was raised to Rs. 50,000 and has now been further increased to Rs. 60,000 under the current administration.

Karunaratne highlighted that the government remains committed to supporting the farming community amid ongoing economic challenges.