President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said ensuring an uninterrupted supply of fertiliser to farmers remains a key government priority amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

He instructed officials to streamline the fertiliser distribution system and explore alternative measures to address challenges affecting imports.

The directives were issued during a meeting held Thursday (02) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, ministry officials, and representatives of relevant institutions.

Discussions focused on current fertiliser stocks and distribution. During the meeting the President also stressed the need for effective management at the district level to ensure timely delivery to farmers.

He also directed authorities to prevent traders from hoarding fertiliser and selling it at higher prices under current conditions.

Officials said hoarded fertiliser stocks had been identified and transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Department of Agrarian Development. Steps are also being taken to maintain reserves within the Department of Agriculture, they said.

The meeting also reviewed options to import fertiliser through alternative channels by engaging with countries not affected by the conflict.

Agriculture Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Ministry Secretary D.P. Wickramasinghe, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Kapila Janaka Bandara, State Fertiliser Company Chairman T.C.W. Sethuge, and Agrarian Development Commissioner General and National Fertiliser Secretariat Director Chandana Lokuhewage attended the discussion, along with ministry officials and fertiliser importers. (Newswire)

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