July 30, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries has announced an increase in the tea fertiliser subsidy to Rs. 4,000, aiming to boost tea production.
Current annual production has dropped to 260 million metric tons, with a new target of 300 million metric tons.
Previously, a Rs. 2,000 subsidy was provided, but it proved insufficient to meet production goals.
As a result, Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the Ministry Secretary, Janaka Dharmakeerthi, to double the subsidy to Rs. 4,000.
This enhanced subsidy will take effect from the upcoming Maha season, with the State Fertiliser Company reducing the price of tea fertiliser accordingly.
The initiative, funded by the Ceylon Tea Board, will allocate Rs. 2 billion towards this effort. Minister Amaraweera presented the related Cabinet paper yesterday.
