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Move to import 56,000 MT of organic fertiliser, natural minerals
View(s):The Ministry of Agriculture has called for prequalification tenders to import 56,667 metric tonnes (MT) of organic fertilser and natural minerals for the upcoming Maha season starting from September, the Sunday Times learns.
Accordingly, 27,500 metric tonnes of nitrogen fertiliser and 29,167 metric tonnes of Pottasium Chloride and other minerals are to be imported.
All imported materials should be in compliance with the specification guidelines issued by the Sri Lanka Standard Institution (SLSI) Standards for organic solid sterilised fertiliser, Pottasium Chloride and liquid organic fertilisers.
The Special Cabinet-Appointed Procurement Committee and the State Ministry of Production, Supply and Regulation of Organic and Natural Fertiliser will select suitable prequalified suppliers to call bids to fulfil the requirement of the fertiliser for paddy cultivation.
The bidding process will be conducted in keeping with the international competitive bidding procedure and the contract will be awarded on July 30.
The move comes in the wake of protests from farmers over the delays in providing any type of fertiliser for this season.
Farmer organisations have pointed out that more time was needed even to produce organic fertiliser for the next season and the process should have begun earlier. The next season is due to begin at the end of next month.