The Election Commission (EC) has suspended the increase of fertilizer subsidy to farmers and provision of fuel subsidy to fishermen that the government had promised to implement with effect from today (01).
The EC has stated that they have requested the government to delay the announcement and implementation of these policy measures to increase the fertilizer subsidy given to farmers and to provide a fuel subsidy to fishermen until after the General Election on November 14.
According to the policy statement of the new NPP Government, the increase in the fertilizer subsidy to farmers and providing a fuel subsidy to fishermen were scheduled to be implemented with effect from today (01).
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake who is also the Agriculture Minister directed the Treasury to increase the fertilizer subsidy provided for paddy farmers from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per hectare for the 2024/2025 Maha cultivation season.
Accordingly, the fertilizer subsidy for both chemical and organic fertilizers was to be increased with effect from today (01). This approach was aimed at streamlining the process and to provide timely support to those in the agricultural sector.
The new NPP Government’s policy statement emphasizes the importance of effectively managing agricultural inputs. It outlines a commitment to providing fertilizer and other agricultural inputs at reasonable prices, along with subsidies for both chemical and organic fertilizer, all in line with good agricultural practices. This step has been implemented to support sustainable farming. The President had also advised the Treasury concurrently to provide a fuel subsidy to fishermen effective from today and the fuel subsidy is to be available on a monthly basis for both multi-day and one-day fishing vessels. This measure is intended to boost the fishing industry and lower production costs for fishermen.
The NPP Government’s policy statement underscores the goal of developing and managing the fishing industry in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This approach aims to enhance fish production, making it more accessible to consumers at fair prices, while also improving the quality of life for those involved in the industry.
President Dissanayake had instructed the Treasury for both these subsidies to be credited to the recipients’ bank accounts directly to ensure efficient delivery.
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