The National Fertilizer Secretariat has assured farmers that sufficient fertilizer stocks are available in the country to meet the requirements of the upcoming Maha cultivation season.
The Director of the National Fertilizer Secretariat, Chandana Lokuhewage said the distribution of fertilizers required for the season has already commenced, with adequate stocks available to meet farmers' needs.
According to Lokuhewage, approximately 180,000 metric tonnes of urea are required for the Maha season. So far, around 33,000 metric tonnes have been distributed across the regions, while fertilizer companies currently hold approximately 42,000 metric tonnes in stock.
He further revealed that three fertilizer-carrying vessels arrived at the port towards the end of last month, with arrangements underway to unload 98,700 metric tonnes of urea. Orders have also been placed to import a further 44,000 metric tonnes during November and December.
Accordingly, a total of approximately 218,000 metric tonnes of urea is expected to be available in the country.
Meanwhile, sufficient stocks of imported Triple Super Phosphate (TSP) and locally manufactured Single Super Phosphate (SSP), which are used as basal fertilizers, are also available.
Arrangements have so far been made to distribute 4,396 metric tonnes of TSP and 511 metric tonnes of SSP. Fertilizer companies currently hold approximately 16,700 metric tonnes of TSP and 5,000 metric tonnes of SSP. Plans are also underway to produce an additional 21,000 metric tonnes of TSP and 5,000 metric tonnes of SSP.
In addition, companies hold a further 10,000 metric tonnes of SSP fertilizer. As a result, approximately 31,000 metric tonnes of basal fertilizer are available, compared to the estimated Maha season requirement of 25,000 metric tonnes.
With regard to Muriate of Potash (MOP), the total requirement for the Maha season is estimated at 57,000 metric tonnes. The country currently has approximately 57,500 metric tonnes, of which around 5,000 metric tonnes have already been distributed. Fertilizer companies hold the remaining 50,500 metric tonnes, while arrangements are also being made to import a further 2,000 metric tonnes.
Lokuhewage reiterated that the country has adequate fertilizer stocks to meet the requirements of the upcoming Maha cultivation season.
He assured farmers that they can obtain the fertilizers required for their cultivation activities through Agrarian Service Centres and authorized fertilizer retailers.
