BY Yumiko PereraDespite the recent controversy surrounding the move to import certain types of fertiliser in spite of the prevailing ban on the use and import of chemical fertiliser, the Agriculture Ministry stated that the local production of organic fertiliser was going ahead as planned, with a view to supplying the needed stocks for the upcoming Maha cultivation season starting in September. However, in a recent statement to the press, the President’s Media Division (PMD) revealed that such imports would only be allowed through a special license programme. Accordingly, nitrogen (N) fertiliser, phosphate (PO₄³⁻) fertiliser, potassium (K) fertiliser, fertiliser containing such minerals, and chemical fertilisers that contain a combination of fertilising elements, would be allowed to be imported. Speaking on the progress of the production of organic fertiliser locally, Prof. Jayasinghe-Mudalige further added: “The production of organic fertiliser locally is running as planned, and we are diligently monitoring it for the time being. Weeratunga, however, noted that certain steps have to be taken in order to achieve that objective.

Source: The Nation August 07, 2021 17:03 UTC