Fertilizer subsidy for coconut cultivators
December 28, 2010 11:47 am
The government is to introduce a scheme to provide fertilizer subsidy to coconut growers in the country. The Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board Sarath Keerthirathna says that action is being taken to submit a Cabinet proposal for the purpose on the instruction of the Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.
Keerthirathna said that presently only 20% of the growers are major plantation holders and 80% of the produce comes from small holders. The government proposes to provide a 50 kg bag of coconut fertilizer at subsidized price of Rs.1000 instead of the current price of Rs.3000.
“Even at the current price of fertilizer, if Rs.150 is spent on a coconut tree per year the produce could be doubled. Unfortunately the coconut growers have not realized its benefits” Mr Sarath Keerthirathna said.
Last week Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa held discussion with coconut growers where they pointed out that a coconut palm requires at least three kilograms of fertilizer a year to double the production within a year.
He said that the coconut cultivation board has 17 regional offices and a network of distribution could be streamlined through agrarian services offices as well. The subsidy scheme is expected to cost Rs.4500 million, he said.
(Government Information Department)
Keerthirathna said that presently only 20% of the growers are major plantation holders and 80% of the produce comes from small holders. The government proposes to provide a 50 kg bag of coconut fertilizer at subsidized price of Rs.1000 instead of the current price of Rs.3000.
“Even at the current price of fertilizer, if Rs.150 is spent on a coconut tree per year the produce could be doubled. Unfortunately the coconut growers have not realized its benefits” Mr Sarath Keerthirathna said.
Last week Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa held discussion with coconut growers where they pointed out that a coconut palm requires at least three kilograms of fertilizer a year to double the production within a year.
He said that the coconut cultivation board has 17 regional offices and a network of distribution could be streamlined through agrarian services offices as well. The subsidy scheme is expected to cost Rs.4500 million, he said.
(Government Information Department)
