The Agriculture Ministry said that the pandemic, the chemical fertiliser business networks driven by farmer protests and the recent floods compelled the government to drop the ban on chemical fertiliser.
Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage reasoned that the government implemented the ban considering the health issues caused by chemicals and the damage to environment.
He pointed out that the stern action of banning chemical fertiliser was taken as they knew that the conversion from chemical to organic farming would not be possible if chemical fertiliser companies were allowed to import chemicals.
Mr Aluthgamage elaborated that even the farmers’ mindset was changed by chemical fertiliser business networks and that put the government under pressure.
“When we took the decision to ban chemical fertilizer, no one was able to predict that the COVID -19 pandemic would remain for such a long period”, he said.
He admitted that the state officials too were unable to help the farmers to produce organic fertiliser by visiting the fields. Furthermore, floods too contributed to issues with food security compelling the government to revoke the move on banning importation of chemical fertiliser.
You can share this post!
Content
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has interdicted Colombo Fort Magistrate Kosala Senadheera.
Mr. Ali Sabri Rahim, a Member of Parliament (MP) for Puttalam District whom an open warrant had been issued, attended a public ceremony at Al Aksha National School in Kalpitiya today (16) as the special guest of honor.
The Supreme Court today refused interim relief in an application filed by President’s Counsel Senaka Walgampaya seeking an Order from the Supreme Court compelling the President to appoint judges to fill the existing vacancies in the Court Of Appeal.
The deadline for online applications to the 2024 G.C.E. Advanced Level (A/L) Examination has been extended until July 12, the Department of Examinations said.
Gazette on new speed limit regulations to be issued within two weeks
Leave Comments