Farmers raised concerns over an increase in fertilizer transport charges for the Yala season.

They noted the fee has risen from Rs. 50 to Rs. 300 for transporting fertilizer from Colombo to Agrarian Services Centres.

Reports also indicate a charge of Rs. 9,550 per fertilizer bag at distribution centres.

Deputy Agriculture Minister Nimal Karunaratne stated that sufficient fertilizer supplies cannot be provided at present.

Farmers in districts including Ampara, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura reported shortages during ongoing Yala cultivation.