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Fertiliser shortage: Minister goes for emergency spot purchases
A delay in ordering fertiliser stocks on time has compelled agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake to seek ministerial approval to waive laid-down tender procedures. He now wants to complete the procurement within seven days thus eliminating the seven day appeal period in terms of tender procedures.
This is after it came to light that the company to which an award had been made for the supply of 72,000 metric tonnes of urea had “deviated from procurement procedures.” The finding has been made by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee and the Technical Evaluation Committee even after the Cabinet of Ministers had approved it on November 21.
Both Committees have raised doubts on the authenticity of documents submitted by the company in question. Considering the delay in purchases, Minister Dissanayake has now forwarded a Cabinet memorandum to purchase fertilizer at “international market prices” since the stocks were required urgently. This is to be carried out “under the supervision” of the Standing Cabinet Appointed Procurement Committee.
Mr Dissanayake now wants to import 36,000 metric tonnes of urea, 12,000 metric tonnes of Triple Super Phosphate, 12,000 metric tonnes of Murate of Potash “on credit basis” within 180 to 270 days. He also wants a Government guarantee given to State fertilizer companies to open import documents and to reimburse the companies in the event there are fluctuation of prices.