November 06, Colombo (LNW): The Sri Lankan government has announced a Rs. 20 billion fertiliser subsidy for paddy farmers in the 2024/25 Maha season, aimed at boosting rice cultivation across the country. Agriculture Commissioner General U.B. Rohana Rajapaksa stated that around one million farmers, covering 720,000 hectares of rice fields, will benefit from this support.
Under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s directive, the Treasury has increased the subsidy to Rs. 25,000 per farmer for the new season. Currently, Rs. 15,000 has already been disbursed to eligible farmers as the initial phase of the support, with the remaining Rs. 10,000 expected by the end of the month.
To date, Rs. 162.4 million has been transferred to the accounts of 36,500 farmers under this scheme. The subsidy rollout includes several phases:
- Phase One: Rs. 9.5 million was distributed to 670 farmers in Ampara and Kilinochchi districts on October 17, covering 638 hectares.
- Phase Two: Rs. 46.5 million was provided to 4,475 farmers across 12 districts on October 23, covering 3,102 hectares.
- Phase Three: Rs. 57.5 million was given to 4,219 farmers on October 28, covering 3,839 hectares.
- Phase Four: Rs. 48.7 million was disbursed to 4,804 farmers across 12 districts, covering 3,247 hectares.
- Phase Five: Scheduled for this week, Rs. 279.4 million will be deposited to support 22,419 farmers cultivating 18,627 hectares across 19 districts.
Rajapaksa highlighted that the subsidy distribution is being prioritized in districts where rice cultivation for the Maha season has started, as verified by local agriculture service centres. Districts such as Colombo, Kalutara, Galle, Mannar, and Polonnaruwa have not yet commenced paddy cultivation, largely due to recent rainfall delays.
This initiative builds on last year’s Rs. 11 billion subsidy, marking a significant increase in government support for paddy farmers. The programme aligns with the government’s strategy to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
