Govt. seeks foreign help for fertiliser imports
Sri Lanka is expecting support from the international community to purchase fertiliser for the farmers and experts have asked to now concentrate on making preparations for the Maha season.
During a meeting chaired by former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam (heading a committee appointed by the new PM), state agriculture institutions, fertiliser importers and experts present discussed core issues facing the agriculture industry.
It had been decided that a new committee would be appointed to deal with the concerns raised regarding the fertiliser imports to hold discussions with foreign missions in Sri Lanka to obtain their support towards this end.
Agriculture Department Director General Dr. Ajantha De Silva told the Business Times that at the meeting it was discussed that the foreign missions will be initiated to obtain assistance to import fertiliser. The modalities of importing are to be worked out through the committee established under the Prime Minister’s Secretary.
It was also understood that prices in the open market is currently below the expectation of the farmer, which is the reason the government is trying to provide fertiliser at subsidised rates.
The government has appointed a Commissioner General of Essential Services to whom names of importing companies have been submitted to purchase weedicides and pesticides that were facing difficulties due to the shortage of foreign currency to be given priority.
As a result the Commissioner General has already sent letters to the Finance Ministry and the Central Bank to facilitate in this process, Dr. De Silva explained. Private companies have already made imports of fertiliser that can be used for crops other than rice, he said.
Dr. De Silva explained that in view of the lifting of the ban on Glyphosate following requests from the plantation sector no decision has been taken yet. A technical committee had been initiated to provide suggestions in this regard, he said.
Peradeniya University Senior Prof. Buddhi Marambe who was present at the discussion told the Business Times that during the discussion there had been assertions made that the focus should be to plan for the Maha season “because we need to do a proper planning for Maha season for paddy and maize cultivation”.
Prof. Marambe said that planning for the Maha season needs to start now and the process of calling for tenders should commence at least by mid-June to be ready in time for the next, largest harvesting season.
Meanwhile, during the meeting importers had raised concerns regarding the late fertiliser subsidy payments from the government and insisted that the authorities need to make the payments to them.
The private sector had informed the government that they will not be able to bring down any fertiliser until this is settled. It was pointed out that this matter was to be taken up with the Prime Minister.
Importers had pointed out that in a bid to have a proper Maha season they were capable of importing the requirement and that this needs to be informed.
Fertiliser requirement annually is 800,000 MT out of which one-third will be for the Yala season and the rest for the Maha season. This year until now there has been 50,000 MT of fertiliser imports by the private sector.
Hitad.lk has you covered with quality used or brand new cars for sale that are budget friendly yet reliable! Now is the time to sell your old ride for something more attractive to today's modern automotive market demands. Browse through our selection of affordable options now on Hitad.lk before deciding on what will work best for you!