The delay in crediting the fertiliser subsidy funds to farmers’ bank accounts is due to a technical issue with the computer system, claimed the Ministry of Agriculture. 

Accordingly, the Ministry has confirmed that a team of officials was deployed on Monday (18) to investigate the matter and that a report pertaining to the matter was expected to be submitted to the Secretary of the Ministry yesterday (19).

Furthermore, the ministry mentioned that steps have already been taken to release the fertiliser subsidy to the farmers’ bank accounts.

According to the ministry, Rs. 25,000 per farmer is being provided as a subsidy for the purchase of fertiliser required for paddy cultivation during the ongoing ‘Maha’ season. 

However, reports indicate that despite more than 20 days having passed since the start of paddy cultivation in the Eastern region, including Ampara, farmers are yet to receive the fertiliser subsidy.

The Government has completed the first phase of the fertiliser subsidy, covering 86,162 hectares across 23 districts. 

However, due to the delay in the release of water in the Polonnaruwa, Giritale and Kaudulla irrigation reservoirs, the fertiliser subsidy has been delayed in those areas, as per the ministry.

In response to these challenges, the ministry has reiterated that corrective measures are underway, and that efforts are being made to ensure the timely disbursement of funds to the farmers.

Meanwhile, the newly appointed Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, K.D. Lalkantha stated that he is committed to promptly addressing the challenges faced by the farming community, particularly the ongoing fertiliser issue. 

Speaking to the media shortly after assuming duties yesterday, Lalkantha expressed confidence in swiftly resolving these challenges by drawing on the expertise of the country’s public service. He highlighted his previous experience in public office, noting that it provided him with a clear understanding of the complexities within the agricultural and irrigation sectors. "I am very well aware of the issues in the agricultural and irrigation sectors, and I will take immediate actions to address them," Lalkantha said. He cited the fertiliser problem as an example, mentioning: “When it comes to the fertiliser issue, there is only a small thing to be rectified. We can solve it very soon.”

Emphasising the importance of the public service in addressing the needs of the farmers throughout the country, Lalkantha stressed that he would consider the knowledge and experience of Government officials to guide his decisions. He asserted that a collaborative approach with public servants would lead to effective and well-informed policy-making.

In addition to resolving agricultural concerns, Lalkantha also pledged to focus on the wellbeing of employees in the Ministries under his purview. "As a trade unionist, I am very well aware of the problems faced by the public servants in these Ministries. First, we should create a 'happy' public service if we want to take the best service from these officers," he said.