Despite allegations, Sri Lanka possesses sufficient fertiliser stocks to fulfil the agricultural demands of the current Yala season as well as the upcoming cultivation season, according to Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Secretary D.P. Wickremasinghe.

However, farmers have expressed concerns and complaints regarding the availability and distribution of fertiliser.

As of now, available stocks include 64,000 MT of urea, 69,000 MT of Muriate of Potash (MOP), and 3,000 MT of Triple Superphosphate (TSP), with an additional 500 MT of TSP expected to arrive this week.

“All fertiliser stocks are imported and both Government and private fertiliser companies maintain sufficient reserves. Farmers can readily purchase the required quantities,” Wickremasinghe said.

Although the market price of fertiliser is not subsidised, the Government continues to support farmers by providing a financial subsidy to ease the burden of purchase. 

“We are offering Rs. 25,000 per hectare for fertiliser support, disbursed in two phases – Rs. 15,000 initially, followed by Rs. 10,000. The funds are deposited directly into the bank accounts of farmers shortly after cultivation begins,” Wickremasinghe added.

However, National Agrarian Unity Organisation President Anuradha Tennakoon has accused private fertiliser suppliers of unjustified price hikes, contradicting Government claims that costs remain stable. 

Tennakoon stated that while global fertiliser prices had not increased, local rates had surged by Rs. 1,000-1,500 per bag. He attributed this to sidelining small-scale importers, leaving pricing control to large private entities.

“Farmers in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and Ampara report urea prices jumping from Rs. 6,800 to Rs. 8,500 per 50 kg bag. The National Fertilizer Secretariat only monitors quality, not prices, leaving farmers at the mercy of private sellers,” he said, dismissing the Agriculture Minister’s claim that prices had not risen as “false” and urging Government intervention to stabilise costs.