By: Isuru Parakrama
October 14, Colombo (LNW): The government’s much-anticipated fertiliser subsidy programme is set to commence today (14), according to Minister Vijitha Herath.
The initiative aims to provide crucial support to farmers across the country, beginning with the agricultural heartland of Ampara District.
Under the first phase of the scheme, eligible farmers will receive Rs. 15,000 to help mitigate the rising costs of fertiliser and other essential inputs.
In the subsequent second phase, an additional Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed, ensuring sustained support throughout the upcoming planting seasons.
Minister Herath highlighted that the distribution would initially focus on Ampara but is slated to quickly expand to cover other key agricultural regions.
Farmers in Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, and the Mahaweli Zone will be amongst the next to benefit from the subsidy, as the government moves swiftly to extend relief to those impacted by rising global fertiliser prices and economic challenges, he emphasised.
With this subsidy programme in motion, the government is aiming to enhance productivity and ensure that farmers can access necessary resources to meet growing demands.
Minister Herath underscored the importance of efficient implementation, noting that this timely financial support could play a significant role in boosting both crop yields and farmers’ incomes.