Fertilizer subsidy would not be curtailed: Govt.

The Government yesterday reiterated that the fertilizer subsidy given to the farmers would not be curtailed as charged by what it described as a bankrupt Opposition.

Co-Cabinet spokesman Minister Gayantha Karunathilake said yesterday the matter was discussed at this week’s Cabinet meeting and, accordingly, the fertilizer subsidy will not be curtailed.

He said tge previous regime allocated only Rs. 35 billion for the subsidies, whereas the present Government has increased it to Rs. 37.5 billion, allocating an additional Rs.2.5 billion. 

“Farmers will be given money to buy fertilizer. It would help the farmers to select standard fertilizers or compost. The new government has taken steps to ban the import of certain chemicals,” Minister Karunathilake added.

Co-Cabinet spokesman Minister Rajitha Senaratne in response to a question raised by a journalist added that this subsidy is expected to be given even for the tea, coconut, rubber and vegetable cultivators.