The committee appointed by the Prime Minister has decided to provide chemical fertilizer to farmers at Rs. 10,000 per bag.

The panel was appointed to find means to eliminate the shortages of essential goods and services in the country.

In a statement, the committee said measures are being taken to provide required amounts of fertilizer stocks and seeds for this year’s cultivation.

It also stated that a urea fertilizer consignment of 65,000 metric tonnes is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by the end of this month, under the Indian credit line.

The government has decided to provide fertilizer to the farming community at subsidized rates, the committee said further, adding that a bag of fertilizer will be given for Rs. 10,000 with the intention of preventing the emergence of a food shortage and protecting the farmers.

A committee of experts and state officials has been appointed to resolve the prevailing fertilizer issue and expedited measures will be taken in this regard, it explained.

Meanwhile, the World Bank has agreed to provide a loan of USD 110 for the procurement of fertilizer, according to the statement. Thereby, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be providing necessary financial assistance to procure fertilizer required for Yala and Maha seasons using this fund.

The committee has meanwhile decided to create a database within a period of two weeks, containing the details of lands used for cultivation.