President reiterates Govt stand on organic fertiliser despite widespread farmers protests

Amidst widespread farmers protests across the country demanding chemical fertiliser, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa reiterated yesterday that the government is committed to converting the country into a chemical-free organic farming country. 

“I have given priority to the farmers – I will not erode that trust placed on me. Make decisions after considering good as well as bad elements – do not fall prey to provocative politics – rally for the benefit of the future generations”, President Rajapaksa urged the farmers.

The President made these remarks while inspecting the Organic Fertilizer Processing Centre and the organic farm at Bunnahepola in Udubaddawa Saturday(23).

The President who visited the Fertilizer Processing Centre inspected the organic fertilizer production process and the techniques used to maintain the quality of the products. President Rajapaksa then visited the farming lands and inspected the vegetables and other crops grown there. The process of preparing the soil using organic manure was also observed.

This processing centre produces compost manure using earthworms and produces about 12 tons of manure per month. In a coconut land of about 13 acres, fruits such as papaya, banana, passion fruit, vegetables such as cabbage, beetroot, batana, a turmeric cultivation and a model paddy cultivation are being developed using organic fertilizers.

President said that his objective is to improve the living standards of the farming community. “In this regard, I’m ready to make difficult decisions that political leaders may hesitate to make. Many calls were made not to get involved in a war back then. Similar to how the 30-year-old war was brought to an end, the goal of green agriculture will be achieved irrespective of the obstacles,” the President said.

He said that he is not focused on the votes but on doing the right thing for the people and added that he is ready to take bold decisions for what’s right and focus only on the needs of the people.

Though the global chemical fertilizer companies place obstacles by provoking various forces, the President said that he is not afraid of any of them and added that the people had elected him as their leader to make the right decisions.

President Rajapaksa made this visit to encourage entrepreneurs engaged in organic farming. He also inspected the Garbage Recycling Centre at the Udubaddawa Pradeshiya Sabha premises.