PA commends govt. on fertilizer decision; requests urgent action to ensure industry continuity

„Calls for speedy distribution of fertilizer to recommence fertilizer application „Notes tea producers already grappling with many challenges

„Says solution yet to be announced with regard to fertilizer for rubber, which too earns considerable forex for the country

While commending the government’s decision to allow imports of nitrogen-based fertilizer for the tea industry, the Planters’ Association of Ceylon (PA) called for the distribution to be fasttracked in order for the tea sector to immediately recommence fertilizer application.

RPCS involved in commercial scale tea, coconut, rubber and spices note that critical industry development activities have been severely delayed due to unavailability of fertiliser.

These activities include standard applications of fertilizer for mature and immature tea, replanting of tea and plant nursery operations that are vital to sustain the country’s second largest export industry, which contributed US$ 1.24 billion in export earnings in 2020.

“We commend the government’s pragmatic decision even at this late stage, which provides a much-needed boost to tea producers who are grappling with many challenges, including escalating cost of production, and the continuous disruptions caused by the pandemic,” PA Media Spokesperson, Dr. Roshan Rajadurai said.

“A sustainable solution with regard to fertilizer will assist the tea industry to contribute to the economy to earn critically needed foreign exchange for the country.”

Following a government decision to restrict imports in early May 2021, RPCS were faced with severe challenges in obtaining sufficient chemical fertilizer and agro-chemicals. Tea and rubber – the two main crops cultivated by the RPCS – were particularly affected. A solution is yet to be announced with regard to fertilizer for rubber, which too earns significant foreign exchange for the country.

In addition to ensuring that the plantation sector is able to maintain optimal levels of plant nutrition, the industry is also awaiting further clarity on the use of other essential inputs for the control of weeds and pests.

The rubber industry in particular has been ravaged by an extremely severe outbreak of the fungal disease, Pestalotiopsis, which has already reached epidemic proportions on the scale of the coffee rust blight which eliminated Sri Lanka’s coffee plantations in the late

1800’s.

In terms of market preferences, buyers associate Ceylon Tea with certain liquoring characteristics related to quality, flavour etc; which are significantly influenced by plant nutrients such as fertilizer. If these key properties were to change, Sri Lanka risks losing its hard-won international markets.

Furthermore, the industry also pointed out that there is no evidence to indicate harmful health and environmental effects of plant nutrients used for tea cultivation, which are approved by the TRI after rigorous testing.