The Ministry of Agriculture says that the cost incurred to the government to import triple super phosphate annually to the country amounts to rupees six billion.

A study conducted by the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau has confirmed that the Eppawala phosphate deposit has 60 million metric tons of phosphate and is the second high-quality phosphate deposit in the world.

The deposit is equally spread in the Northern and Southern parts as well.

Many experts have pointed out that the Eppawala phosphate reserve could be used as a viable multi-purpose project to earn much-needed foreign exchange for the country.

Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera lamented the deposit discovered in 1979 needs some effort to reach its full potential in production.

Discussions are now underway to formulate a program to expedite the production of triple super fertilizer and single super fertilizer (TSP and SSP) required for paddy and other crops.