(UTV | COLOMBO) – The government has decided to permit the importation of plant nutrients and agro chemicals for several essential crops including paddy, maize and vegetables.
Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Senior Prof. Udith Jayasinghe said the decision to provide agro chemicals to farmers was taken in order to meet target harvesting volumes for the ‘Maha Season’ after considering the adverse effects of continuous rainfall on crops.
Jayasinghe also noted adequate quantities of agro chemicals will be supplied to farmers, on the advice of the Director General of Agriculture and the Registrar of Excise.
He said farmers expect to yield the highest harvest of the year during the Maha Season.
Therefore, Jayasinghe said it was mandatory to spray plant nutrients on crops.
He claimed Cabinet approval was granted to import adequate amounts of plant nutrients and agro chemicals based on scientific findings.
The Secretary to the Ministry added that permits have already been issued to import agro chemicals for tea, coconut and rubber, that will be distributed within the next two weeks.
He said the Ministry is looking to import a set quantity of fertiliser to replace the quantity used during the harvesting season.