By: Isuru Parakrama
November 05, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Agrarian Development has commenced the distribution of the Rs. 25,000 fertiliser subsidy for the 2024 ‘Maha Season,’ confirmed Commissioner General U.P. Rohana Rajapakshe.
This substantial initiative is aimed at supporting local farmers through a phased financial distribution to bolster agricultural productivity.
In the programme’s first phase, Rs. 15,000 has already been distributed per farmer, initially benefiting 670 farmers across Ampara and Kilinochchi districts, with Rs. 9.5 million allocated to support cultivation across 630 hectares.
Expanding on this, the second phase disbursed Rs. 46.5 million to 4,475 farmers in 12 districts, while the third phase released Rs. 57.5 million to assist 4,219 farmers within the same districts.
Further, in the fourth phase, Rs. 47.7 million was allocated to 4,804 farmers.
Rajapakshe stated that an additional Rs. 279.4 million will be transferred from the Treasury today, with funds allocated to benefit 22,419 farmers across 19 districts, further strengthening the seasonal agricultural efforts.
In total, over Rs. 441.8 million has been distributed to farmers so far, representing a significant investment by the government in agricultural sustainability.
Rajapakshe also highlighted that a subsequent Rs. 10,000 will be disbursed to farmers in two weeks, following the commencement of cultivation activities.
This follow-up financial support is intended to ensure farmers are adequately equipped for the season’s demands.
