The Cabinet of Ministers has approved fertiliser subsidies for farmers cultivating during the 2025 Yala season, ensuring timely support for agricultural activities.
Under the new provisions, the Government will offer a subsidy of Rs. 25,000 per hectare for paddy cultivation, with a maximum coverage of two hectares per farmer. Additionally, a Rs. 15,000 subsidy per hectare will be provided for other field crops grown on paddy land, also capped at two hectares per farmer. The proposal, submitted by Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, received Cabinet approval on Monday.
On 6 March, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to ensure farmers receive adequate fertiliser supplies on time for the Yala season. During a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat with officials from the Agriculture, Livestock, Land, and Irrigation Ministry, he emphasised the importance of an uninterrupted fertiliser supply to avoid delays in cultivation.
The meeting also reviewed fertiliser requirements for paddy and other agricultural activities during the season. The President highlighted the need for a smooth start to the Yala season, urging the removal of any obstacles that could hinder farming operations.