Cabinet nod to procure organic fertiliser for Maha season

The Cabinet nod has been given to procure organic fertiliser required for the 2021/2022 Maha season from selected local organic fertiliser manufacturers.

On Monday, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage sought the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers to procure organic fertiliser quantities for the upcoming Maha season from selected local organic fertiliser manufacturers through the state-owned Ceylon Fertiliser Company Limited and Colombo Commercial Fertiliser Company Limited.

The National Fertiliser Secretariat earlier invited bids from local fertiliser manufacturers and subsequently, the Cabinet-Appointed Negotiation Committee recommended the selected firms to the Agriculture Ministry. 

According to Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, the government plans to spend the moneys allocated for fertiliser subsidy to procure organic fertiliser locally.

Earlier, the Cabinet of Ministers also approved a proposal to import fertiliser. However, the minister noted that imports would be limited to ‘certain organic nutrient enrichment’ that cannot be sourced within the country.