12 February 2022 12:00 am Views - 350
He was addressing the Ministerial Consultative Committee on Plantation yesterday. He said the Ministry is ready to expedite the implementation of an integrated nutrient management programme for the development of the tea industry in the face of existing challenges. The Minister said that not only chemical fertilisers but also shade, water and soil factors are very important to increase the production of tea.
Despite the shortage of chemical fertilisers in the country, the total production of tea has increased by 21 million in 2021 compared to 2020, the Minister said. He said this when Member of Parliament Weerasumana Weerasinghe pointed out that many tea smallholders in Matara and other areas are facing difficulties due to the shortage of chemical fertilisers.
Member of Parliament Weerasumana Weerasinghe, pointed out to the Committee that it is appropriate for the government to maintain a proper process of providing organic fertiliser to tea estates in light of the increase in price of chemical fertilisers. Minister of Plantations said that some of the chemical fertilisers allocated by the government for tea cultivation were sold at higher prices in other areas. He also said that the price of chemical fertilisers would come down rapidly under the current global conditions. The Minister also pointed out that the government will provide 50% of the cost of providing water supply to tea estates in collaboration with the Tea Small Holdings’ Development Authority.
In addition, Member of Parliament Palani Digambaram inquired about the delay in the process of raising the basic salary of plantation workers to Rs. 1,000. Although the Minister refrained from commenting as this is an issue before the Courts at present, he said that there should be an agreement between the employees and the management to resolve this situation.
Also, in response to a query made by Member of Parliament Jagath Pushpakumara, the Minister said that if there are any irregularities within the ministry whose main purpose is the betterment of the plantation industry, he would take appropriate action if need be.