The Agriculture Ministry has announced the Government has decided to purchase fertiliser from the fertiliser companies at a mutually agreed price and distribute it to farmers at an affordable rate without involving intermediaries. Speaking to The Daily Morning yesterday (19), Deputy Agriculture Minister, Namal Karunarathne said that the Ministry held discussions with fertiliser companies and leaders of farming unions to determine the most efficient method of supplying the necessary fertiliser to farmers. 

According to him, it has been decided to procure the fertiliser directly from the companies and distribute it to farmers through the Agrarian Services Centres and farmer unions across the country. “There are no mediators in the process, and the farmers will be able to receive enough fertiliser for themselves at a fair price,” he said.

He further added that there is no fertiliser shortage in the country and that the public should not panic over any potential supply shortfall.

When questioned regarding widespread unofficial claims on social media that the Government plans to introduce a quick response (QR) code-based rationing system for fertiliser as well, he dismissed the reports, saying that no such measures have been discussed within the Ministry.

The measures of the Ministry come amidst the farming unions’ concerns over the availability of fertiliser for the upcoming Yala season. With the majority of the world’s fertiliser production concentrated in the Middle East, unions had warned that the failure by the Government to take immediate action could leave farmers without adequate stocks. The unions have accused the Government of failing to secure sufficient fertiliser supplies and of not taking steps to boost domestic production. They also expressed fears that the price of a 15 kilo bag of urea could rise to as much as Rs. 15,000 unless the Government intervenes urgently.