Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said he has submitted proposals to the government to increase the fertiliser subsidy currently given by the government to Rs.30,000 to purchase fertiliser for paddy cultivation from next year.
The minister made these statements while addressing a press conference held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries yesterday (20).
The government has implemented a programme to double the paddy yield in five cropping seasons. Accordingly, the fertiliser required for paddy cultivation should be applied on time.The government has realised that the current Rs.10,000 given for the purchase of fertilisers is not enough at all, but due to the existing economic situation, it is not possible to give more than that. But as there has been some stability in the economy, there is a possibility to increase the amount given for fertiliser subsidy. Therefore, the minister mentioned that proposals have been submitted to the government to increase the fertiliser subsidy amount to Rs.30,000 from next year’s Yala season.
Also, 55,000 metric tonnes of MOP fertiliser will be provided free of cost to the farmers in the next two Maha seasons. Accordingly, the minister also mentioned that steps will be taken to provide the entire amount of MOP fertiliser required by the farmers free.
The minister also said that if the fertiliser subsidy is increased to Rs.30,000, it will cost Rs.30 billion.
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