The Ministry of Agriculture has decided to provide an allowance of Rs. 10,000 per hectare to farmers who produce organic fertilizer.

This was decided at a discussion held at the Ministry of Agriculture regarding the production and supply of organic fertilizer required for the forthcoming Maha season.

State Minister Mohan de Silva, Secretaries to several Ministries, Chairpersons of Public Corporations, Boards of Directors and Directors General and Heads of the Army and the Civil Defense Force joined the discussion chaired by Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

The officials have revealed that many companies have already started manufacturing organic fertilizer. For a hectare, 500 kg of organic fertilizer, 5 kg of plant nutrient amino acid, 35 kg of potassium and 10 liters of bio-fertilizer are recommended

It is the intention of the government to fulfill the national requirement for the production of organic fertilizer in accordance with the recommendations for 1.6 million hectares under cultivation by coordinating all institutions.

In addition, it has been decided to provide Rs. 10,000 for a hectare per farmer who produces organic fertilizer.

Steps have been taken to provide land, technology, machinery and equipment required for the production of organic fertilizer.

The amount of organic fertilizer that can be produced by the beginning of September for the upcoming Maha season was discussed at length.

Local Government Institutions, National Livestock Development Board, Milco Company, Department of Agriculture and allied farms, Estate Companies including Janatha Estate Development Board, Ceylon Phosphate Company, Land Reforms Authority, Provincial Councils, Mahaweli Authority, Irrigation Department, Ministry of Fisheries and other Ministries A number of institutions such as the Water Supply Board, the Cooperative Department, the Army and the Civil Defense Department have already taken steps to manufacture organic fertilizer to meet the national demand.

It was stated at this meeting that the amount of organic fertilizer that can be produced for the national fertilizer requirement will be announced by the respective institutions next week.

The amount of organic fertilizer that could be produced by the beginning of September for the forthcoming Maha season was discussed at length.

The Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage has pointed out that arrangements have already been made to purchase the quality organic fertilizer produced by all individuals and organizations without any problem through state fertilizer companies.

Source from: ColomboPage News(2021). Farmers who produce organic fertilizer to receive Rs. 10,000 per hectare. Retrieve from: ColomboPage News(Jun 19, 2021). http://www.colombopage.com/archive_21A/Jun19_1624076034CH.php