By: Isuru Parakrama
October 08, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced the commencement of a fertiliser subsidy programme aimed at supporting paddy farmers, with the initiative set to kick off in the Ampara District on Monday, 14 October.
This announcement was made by Cabinet Spokesman Minister Vijitha Herath during a press conference held on 8 October.
Minister Herath highlighted the timing of the subsidy, noting, “As the Maha season approaches, we are keen to ensure that our farmers have the resources they need to cultivate their crops effectively.
We will begin by rolling out the fertiliser subsidy of Rs. 25,000 specifically for the farmers in the Ampara District next week.”
Following the initial implementation in Ampara, the subsidy programme will expand to include farmers in other vital agricultural areas, including Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Mahiyanganaya, and the Mahaweli regions.
This phased approach aims to ensure that farmers across the country receive the necessary support during the crucial planting season.
The government’s decision to introduce this subsidy comes in response to the challenges faced by farmers in recent years, including rising input costs and fluctuating market conditions.
By providing financial assistance for fertiliser, the government hopes to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
As the Maha season is critical for paddy cultivation in Sri Lanka, this initiative is expected to have a significant positive impact on the livelihoods of farmers.
Minister Herath reassured stakeholders that the government is committed to facilitating the agricultural sector’s growth and sustainability through targeted support measures.
