The Department of Agrarian Development says fertilizer subsidy cash grants have already been provided for 75 percent of the land area cultivated with paddy during the current Yala season.
Commissioner General Dhammika Ranatunga stated that approximately Rs. 8,990 million has so far been spent on the subsidy programme.
He further noted that an additional Rs. 2,000 million is scheduled to be credited to farmers’ bank accounts within this week.
Under the fertilizer subsidy scheme, each eligible farmer is entitled to receive up to Rs. 30,000.
Authorities estimate that paddy cultivation during the current Yala season covers around 394,299 hectares.
Meanwhile, Agrarian Development Centers continue distributing Urea fertilizer to farmers at a subsidized price of Rs. 10,200 per sack.
Separately, the National Fertilizer Secretariat announced that additional fertilizer shipments are expected to arrive in the country this month to support cultivation activities.
According to the Secretariat:
- A shipment carrying 18,000 metric tons of Urea fertilizer is scheduled to arrive from Uzbekistan
- Another vessel carrying 17,000 metric tons of MOP fertilizer is expected from Oman
Director of the National Fertilizer Secretariat Chandana Lokuhewage stated that sufficient fertilizer stocks are currently available to meet demand during the Yala season.
He also urged farmers not to have unnecessary concerns regarding possible fertilizer shortages, assuring that adequate supplies are being maintained throughout the cultivation period.
