It is reported that a special discussion on the fertilizer crisis will be held under the patronage of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at 10.30 am today.
Minister of State Shashindra Rajapaksa had told the media yesterday that the discussion would be held to take a decision regarding the importation of agro chemicals.
He said the meeting was being held to seek the President’s approval to re-import herbicides, insecticides and fungicides.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa had requested the President in Anuradhapura to import chemical fertilizers to resolve the fertilizer crisis. Meanwhile, the Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture said yesterday morning that the government was taking steps to import chemical agro-nutrients including urea for paddy and other crops and that the Cabinet had given its approval to him and the Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation Industries.
However, shortly afterwards, Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage told the media that the government had not taken any decision to import chemical fertilizers for paddy or vegetable crops.
