QR-based tea fertilizer system surpasses 2024/25 in 6 months

Colombo, April 9 (Daily Mirror) - The distribution of subsidized tea fertilizer through Sri Lanka’s new QR-based system has shown significant progress within six months since its launch on October 1, surpassing performance recorded in the 2024/2025 period.

The system, introduced to support the tea industry and achieve national targets of increasing tea production to 400 million kilos and export earnings to $2.5 billion by 2030, replaces earlier limitations that allocated fertilizer based solely on land extent and distribution through the Fertilizer Corporation. The new method instead bases subsidies on the average leaf yield over three months and allows distribution through approved fertilizer companies, improving efficiency for small and medium-scale tea growers.

As of March 31, a total of 226,511 farmers have registered and received QR codes, while 187,759 farmers have been supplied with 21,117.7 metric tons of subsidized fertilizer. Under the scheme, the government provides a subsidy of Rs. 4,000 for a 50 kg bundle and Rs. 2,000 for a 25 kg bundle. So far, 334,256 units of 50 kg fertilizer and 176,199 units of 25 kg fertilizer have been distributed.

In comparison, only 84,472 farmers received fertilizer during the entire 2024/2025 period, marking a 122.3% increase under the new system. Fertilizer distribution has also risen by 62.2%, compared to 13,015.50 metric tons issued in the previous year.

Small and medium-scale tea growers have reportedly welcomed the QR system for its convenience and efficiency. Meanwhile, in response to the ongoing Middle East crisis, the government has allocated an additional one-time subsidy of Rs. 5,000 per 50 kg fertilizer bundle for small estate owners, which is expected to be distributed before the end of the year.