Farmers across Sri Lanka are raising serious concerns over a shortage of urea fertilizer, warning that the situation is already disrupting cultivation activities in several agricultural regions. Farmer organizations report that the scarcity has made it difficult to proceed with planting during the critical early stages of the Yala season, heightening fears of reduced harvests and economic strain.
Responding to these concerns, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Namal Karunaratne acknowledged that there may be a limited issue with urea availability but insisted that the situation is largely under control. He stated that nearly 100,000 tons of urea are already available within the country, which he believes is sufficient to meet the needs of paddy cultivation.
In an effort to ease pressure on supply, a shipment carrying 25,000 tons of fertilizer is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on April 5. Authorities expect this consignment to further stabilize distribution and address immediate shortages reported by farmers.
The government maintains that it has effectively managed fertilizer challenges despite ongoing global disruptions affecting supply chains. According to Namal Karunaratne, proactive measures have helped ensure that overall fertilizer availability remains adequate for national agricultural demands.
He further noted that while farmers are experiencing difficulties specifically with urea at the onset of the Yala season, the country currently has more than sufficient stocks of other essential fertilizers, including mud fertilizer and bandi fertilizer. Officials argue that these reserves will support continued cultivation while efforts are made to resolve the remaining supply gaps.
