By Buddhika Samaraweera
Rejecting the locally manufactured liquid fertilisers that are currently being distributed under the Government’s policy towards a green agriculture, farmers in several areas have demanded the supply of chemical fertilisers as soon as possible, The Morning learnt.
A locally produced liquid fertiliser distribution programme was held last Sunday (19) through the Agrarian Service Centres in the Rajanganaya area, but farmers did not accept the fertiliser, saying it would have been more useful to replace such liquid fertilisers even with a small amount of urea fertiliser.
Recently it was reported that the locally manufactured liquid fertilisers distributed in this manner had a foul smell and that the packaging containers had exploded.
Meanwhile, maize growers in the Polwatta area in the Ampara District alleged that they have not yet received the required amounts of fertiliser for the maize cultivation. One farmer said: “It has been more than two months since the cultivation, but no fertiliser other than liquid fertiliser has been given to us. Even though we applied the liquid fertilisers, it has not brought about any change to the cultivations.”
The farmers have been claiming that the liquid fertiliser containers, which have a foul smell, exploded after being under high pressure.
However, claiming that the locally manufactured liquid fertilisers have not caused harm to anyone, National Fertiliser Secretariat (NFS) Director Chandana Lokuhewage stated last week that it was not fair to spread misinformation about such fertiliser based on minor issues.
“Solid fertiliser is also produced using animal waste and they also have a foul smell. These liquid fertilisers are made using fish waste and also stink. But certain parties catch a small issue of locally produced fertiliser and spread a lot of misinformation. That’s not fair,” he said.
He also stated that no one has been harmed due to the use of local liquid fertilisers and that if anyone has been harmed due to the use of said liquid fertilisers, the authorities can be informed regarding such.
Meanwhile, when contacted by The Morning on an earlier occasion to inquire what action will be taken regarding the alleged fertilisers that are being exploded, Department of Agriculture Director General Dr. Ajantha De Silva said: “The Agriculture Department only provides technical support to the National Fertiliser Secretariat, but the authority responsible for the quality of the fertiliser is the National Fertiliser Secretariat. The Agriculture Department is not responsible for such.”
Farmers rejecting local liquid fertiliser
20 Dec 2021
Farmers rejecting local liquid fertiliser
20 Dec 2021
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