Mahindananda reiterates imported potassium fertilizer not chemical

Refuting claims that the potassium chloride fertilizer imported from Lithuania was chemical-based, Agricultural Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage reiterated today that it was not chemical but a type of an organic fertilizer.

He told Parliament that this potassium chloride was a mineral obtained from the earth and that it becomes chemical only after being processed.

Responding to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Orders 27/2, the Minister said that there was no difference in chemical or organic in agriculture and said what was needed is nutrients required for the plant such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium.

“I went round the country and met farmers. They wanted Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium for their cultivations. You, during the Yahapalana Government, provided farmers with chemical Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. We will ensure that farmers will receive fertilizer needed for them at the proper time,” he said.

He said all the ordered stocks of Nano Nitrogen Liquid Fertilizer would be received by October 30.

“Nano Nitrogen is the latest technology used in the world. It is more effective. We are importing nano nitrogen produced under high quality control process,” he said (Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)