The Department of Agrarian Development has decided to restrict the distribution of urea fertiliser exclusively for paddy cultivation during the 2026 Yala season due to limited stocks in the country.
The department said the shortage has arisen in the context of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which has affected fertiliser availability.
Accordingly, only unmixed urea fertiliser will be issued for paddy cultivation through Agrarian Service Centres, and all Agrarian Development Officers across the island have been informed of the decision.
They have also been instructed to release fertiliser based on the extent of land cultivated by each farmer, ensuring that only the required quantity is issued.
Fertiliser distribution will be carried out based on verified data of farmers who are confirmed to be cultivating paddy, with information recorded in the system following seasonal meetings. (NewsWire)