Saturday Nov 02, 2024
FT
Saturday Nov 02, 2024
Thursday, 3 October 2024 04:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Two major farming organisations yesterday called on the Government to intervene and ensure the timely delivery of the increased fertiliser subsidy, which was suspended ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary elections.
The subsidy, set to increase from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per hectare for the 2024/2025 Maha paddy cultivation season was approved by the Cabinet on 10 September but was delayed by the Election Commission to prevent electoral bias.
Parakrama Samudra Joint Farmers’ Organisation President Jagath Arunakeerthi stressed the critical importance of applying fertiliser during the cultivation season.
“If we do not get fertiliser on time, we will lose everything,” he said, urging the Government to act swiftly.
Arunakeerthi also questioned why a decision taken by the previous administration would impact the election, implying that delaying the subsidy could hurt farmers and ultimately consumers, facing potential food shortages.
National Convention of Farmers Co-Convener Wimal Waththuhewa added that fertiliser subsidies have been provided since 2014, even during election periods.
“The sector is still recovering from the disastrous fertiliser policy of the previous administration under Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The harvest was severely affected and only now it is starting to show improve,” he noted.
Waththuhewa called on the Agriculture Minister to engage with the Election Commission and ensure that the Rs. 25,000 fertiliser subsidy is provided in time for the Maha cultivation season.
On Tuesday, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath acknowledged the importance of the subsidy for farmers ahead of the cultivation season, but noted the Government must abide by the Election Commission’s decision.
