May 12, Colombo (LNW): The government has unveiled plans to grant an additional fertiliser subsidy to small-scale tea cultivators as authorities move to cushion the agricultural sector from mounting global economic pressures.
Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne said the Treasury has already released the required funds for the programme, which is expected to benefit thousands of tea smallholders across the country.
Speaking on the rising cost of agricultural imports, the Minister explained that international fertiliser prices have continued to climb due to ongoing global instability, coupled with escalating freight charges and higher maritime insurance costs. Despite the increase in expenses, he assured that Sri Lanka would maintain uninterrupted fertiliser supplies for farmers.
He noted that while the country currently possesses adequate stocks, import costs are likely to rise further in the coming months as global supply chains remain under strain.
Vidyaratne also pointed out that the administration had earlier introduced financial assistance for paddy farmers, granting an additional allowance of Rs. 5,000 per hectare for cultivation lands up to two hectares. Under that scheme, eligible farmers could receive a maximum benefit of Rs. 10,000.
According to the Minister, a similar approach is now being extended to the tea sector, with small-scale tea estate owners set to receive an extra Rs. 5,000 subsidy to offset the impact of rising fertiliser prices and operational costs.
He added that the government’s objective is to shield farmers from severe financial hardship while safeguarding agricultural production during a period of heightened international uncertainty.