He said this during the Cabinet briefing held at the Government Information Department yestarday (30).

Agriculture Minister Chamal Rajapaksa had submitted a Cabinet proposal for a provision of Rs. 10 billion for fertiliser in order to cultivate 523,500 hectares during the Yala Season with the aim of uplifting the country’s agriculture sector.

The minister noted that concurrent to the efforts taken to control the spread of the Coronavirus in the country, the government is also focussed on reviving the country’s economy in stages, adding that this decision was in line with these efforts.

In order to cultivate the 523,500 hectares, 150,000 metric tons of fertiliser is required and seeds, plants and fertilisers such as urea, potassium and phosphate also needs to be purchased. However, the minister noted that from May 20th fertiliser distribution will take place without any hindrance.

A certified price has been set for 16 crops and in the event the farmers are unable to sell their crops, the minister assured that the government would purchase the harvest from the farmers.