Fertilizer subsidy to continue without limitations

Dulshani GUNAWARDENA and Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The fertilizer subsidy currently offered to paddy farmers since 2005 will be continued without any limitations in the future.

National Fertilizer Secretary Office, Director Ranjan Dharmawardena stated that the fertilizer price per 50 kilos will be maintained at Rs 350.

During the past four years the international fertilizer market has seen great fluctuations in price, with a commercial price peak as high as Rs.7,800 per fifty kilos.

The Government expenditure due to this subsidy was Rs 55,000 million during the past year. A record amount of 1,061,000 metric tons of Urea, 69,000 metric tons of Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and 61,000 metric tons of Potash was issued in the 2009-2010 Maha season.

This is the highest amount of fertilizer issued in the past four years.

Five hundred fifty seven district centres have been established islandwide for the distribution of fertilizer.

This fertilizer subsidy is planned to be expanded to vegetable and fruit cultivations in the future.

Much emphasis has been placed on maintaining the high quality of fertilizer. Imported stocks of fertilizer are inspected and issued certification prior to shipment.