All necessary arrangements were completed to obtain the MOP fertilizer to the country for free distribution to farmers

Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, stated that all necessary arrangements have now been completed to obtain the stock of 55,000 metric tons of MOP fertilizer that is to be provided to Sri Lanka by the World Food Programme.

Although steps had been taken since last March to obtain this stock of fertilizer, the process was delayed due to the inefficiency of government officials. Accordingly, the Minister informed the officials handling the matter to complete all necessary procedures within this week and to take immediate steps to sign the relevant agreements.

Accordingly, the Minister stated that it will be possible to provide the 55,000 metric tons of MOP fertilizer, which is an essential type of fertilizer for paddy cultivation, free of charge to all paddy farmers in the country during the upcoming two main Maha seasons.

Generally, the amount of MOP fertilizer required for rice cultivation in the country during a single cultivation season is 25,000 metric tons. Accordingly, this stock of fertilizer will be sufficient for two years, and the benefits of using this MOP fertilizer in the soil can be reaped for several more years.

MOP fertilizer, which generally has a high price in the market, is due to be provided to paddy farmers in the full required quantity free of charge.