November 02, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure has reported marked progress in the rollout of the new QR-based system for distributing fertiliser subsidies to tea growers across Sri Lanka.
The initiative, which officially began on October 01, was introduced to streamline the fertiliser distribution process and eliminate inefficiencies in the previous system.
It forms part of the government’s broader strategy to boost national tea production to 400 million kilogrammes annually and raise export earnings to US$ 2.5 billion by 2030.
Launched in September, the QR-based mechanism replaces the earlier approach that limited distribution to the Fertiliser Corporation and allocated quantities purely on land area. Under the restructured system, approved private fertiliser companies handle distribution, and the subsidy amount is calculated according to the average yield of tea leaves over a three-month period.
At present, the government offers Rs. 4,000 per 50 kg bag of fertiliser and Rs. 2,000 per 25 kg bag to small and medium-scale tea estate owners.
According to the ministry’s latest update, 95,230 applications have been received through the new platform, with 67,056 growers already registered. By October 31, 187.4 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser had been distributed to 49,548 farmers using the QR system—reflecting a completion rate of just over 49 per cent.
Officials noted that the new digital model has significantly improved efficiency and transparency, ensuring that fertiliser reaches eligible farmers promptly while reducing administrative delays and misuse of subsidies.
