The Ministry of Agriculture is to produce adequate stocks of organic fertiliser for the country which would be issued to paddy farmers after analysing soil samples of the particular areas, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said.
"All prospective organic fertiliser manufacturers within the country are now being identified and registered by Agrarian Services Centres countrywide. About five tons of paddy can be harvested from a hectare of land. There will be no need for Sri Lanka to import organic fertiliser as we are able to manufacture organic fertilisers to meet our requirements," the Minister said.
"About 75,000 metric tons of organic fertiliser have been produced to date for the use of paddy farmers in the Kurunegala and Puttalam Districts by Farmers’ Organisers of the Kurunegala District.
About 2,000 farmers have been trained in the production of organic manure. Rs. 23 million has been allocated for organic manure production within the North Western Province.
"About 500,000 metric tons of organic fertiliser would be produced next year while the over-use of harmful chemical fertilisers would be gradually reduced, said Assistant Director of Agriculture, Kurunegala District A. M.Jayaweera speaking to the Daily News in Kurunegala yesterday.
