President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasized that ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to farmers remains a top government priority, especially amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He instructed officials to streamline the fertiliser distribution system and explore alternative methods to overcome import challenges.
The directives were given during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, along with ministry officials and representatives of relevant institutions. Discussions focused on current fertiliser stocks and improving distribution to ensure timely delivery to farmers.
The President also stressed the importance of effective management at the district level and urged authorities to prevent traders from hoarding fertiliser and selling it at inflated prices. Officials noted that hoarded stocks have already been identified and transferred to the Department of Agrarian Development, while steps are being taken to maintain reserves within the Department of Agriculture.
The meeting also explored options to import fertiliser through alternative channels by engaging with countries not affected by the conflict. Key officials, including Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha and senior ministry representatives, attended the discussion along with fertiliser importers.
