Dolomite production will boost agriculture - Minister

The newly opened dolomite factory in Matale will produce dolomite needed for fertilizer at a low price, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Dr. Rajith Seneratne said.

The Minister was speaking after opening the factory, recently. The factory will operate under the State Engineering Corporation, he said.

"This factory will support the Api Wawamu - Rata Nagamu policy by producing fertilizer at a low price to encourage farmers.

"According to statistics, more than 80,000 MT of dolomite is needed per year for agricultural purposes. We hope to produce 10,000 to 12,000 MT at the initial stage and gradually to double the volume to meet 30 percent of the total dolomite fertilizer requirement," the Minister said.

Now the factory can produce only, 700 MT per month and the Corporation hopes to increase it to 1500 MT in next two months.