Govt. assures...

Dr. Pathirana noted that both quality and quantity drops were recorded at tea factory levels this month, while the drop in quantity was minimal, due to the prevailing favourable climatic conditions. The Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA), representing the Regional Plantation Companies (RPCS), this week called for the fertiliser distribution to be fast-tracked, in order for the tea sector to immediately recommence fertiliser application.

The minister was confident that the current fertiliser crisis in the tea industry to be resolved within a month and the tea production to return to normalcy. Further, he assured that chemical fertiliser import to be continued until the organic fertiliser supply becomes sufficient to cater to planters’ requirement. Meanwhile, Cabinet Co-spokesperson and Mass Media Minister Dullas Alahapperuma stressed that the government wouldn’t hesitate to prioritise the needs of farmers, even though it could mean taking a step back, in terms of rolling out government policies.

He noted that the government is also considering solutions to farmers’ grievances on the shortage of weedicides.

Tea remains Sri Lanka’s largest agriculture export, generating around US $ 1.3-1.5 billion in export revenue per annum, while the import cost on fertilisers for the tea sector amounts to only US $ 30 million.