The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has agreed to assist in streamlining the use of organic fertilisers in Sri Lanka at a meeting last Tuesday between Foreign Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and FAO representative Wimalendera Sharan, a statement from the Ministry said.   

The organisation is also focusing on investigating Sri Lankan soil health in each district and compiling an index on soil composition in each district.  

“The Foreign Minister expressed his gratitude to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for its willingness to assist in assessing the nutrient content of Sri Lanka’s agricultural land. The Minister discussed how the use of fertilisers can be properly managed to allow farmers to gain higher yields and profitable agriculture by avoiding waste,” the statement said.  

The statement said Minister Gunawardena identified that Sri Lanka has not conducted a soil survey on agricultural land for a considerable period and thus it would be beneficial for Sri Lankan farmers if such a soil health card is prepared after a new survey.