25,000 MT Fertilizer Shipment Expected Tomorrow, Deputy Minister Addresses Stock Levels and Farmer Concerns

A ship carrying 25,000 metric tons of fertilizer is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka tomorrow, April 5, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Namal Karunaratne. The minister stated that the government is effectively managing fertilizer challenges despite global conditions and farmer concerns at the start of the Yala season. He noted that current stocks of Muriate of Potash (MOP) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) are sufficient, with nearly 4,000 metric tons of TSP available. While acknowledging a limited issue with Urea, Mr. Karunaratne mentioned approximately 20,000 metric tons are held by the government and private sector, with nearly 100,000 metric tons already in the country, exceeding the 80,000 metric tons required for paddy cultivation. Farmers are advised to use fertilizer judiciously, as new shipments may carry higher prices.