January 17, Colombo (LNW): In a decisive move, Agriculture and Plantation Industries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera declared a substantial reduction in the prices of key fertilizers for tea cultivation, namely T 750, T 709, and T 200, by Rs. 2,000. This announcement translates to a 50% reduction in the market price of these fertilizers, which currently exceeds Rs. 13,000 per bundle.
Minister Amaraweera directed Dr. Jagath Perera, Chairman of the Government-owned Colombo Commercial Fertilizers and Ceylon Fertilizer Company, to take immediate steps to implement the price reduction. As per the minister’s instructions, the price of a bundle of T 750 and T 709 tea fertilizers is set to be reduced to Rs. 7,735, while the price of a bundle of T 200 fertilizer will be lowered to Rs. 5,500.
This fertilizer concession is aimed at benefiting small- and medium-scale tea growers, offering them significant relief. Large-scale tea growing companies will also enjoy reduced prices, securing these fertilizers at Rs. 9,735.
During a meeting at the Plantation Industries Ministry, Minister Amaraweera engaged in discussions with representatives from tea growers’ associations across the eight tea-growing districts. The meeting, attended by officials responsible for tea cultivation in the ministry, highlighted the unanimous endorsement of the quality of special fertilizers for tea cultivation produced by government-owned fertilizer companies.
In addition to the Rs. 2,000 fertilizer concession, it was revealed that the Tea Board would bear the cost of Rs. 1,200 million, further emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting the tea industry through this significant subsidy.
