The Ministry of Plantation and Rural Infrastructure reports that Sri Lanka’s new QR system for subsidized tea fertilizer has achieved remarkable progress within just six months since its launch on October 1.
Compared to the 2024/2025 year, when only 84,472 farmers received 13,015.5 metric tons of fertilizer, the QR system has delivered fertilizer to more than double that number of farmers in half the time, a 122.3% increase in beneficiaries and a 62.2% rise in fertilizer distribution.
Issuing a statement, the ministry said by March 31, a total of 226,511 farmers had registered and received QR codes, with 187,759 small and medium tea growers benefiting from 21,117.7 metric tons of subsidized fertilizer.
The government provides Rs. 4,000 for a 50‑kg bag and Rs. 2,000 for a 25‑kg bag under the scheme, with 334,256 bags of 50 kg and 176,199 bags of 25 kg already distributed.
The QR mechanism was introduced to steer the tea industry toward the national target of 400 million kilograms of production and USD 2.5 billion in export revenue by 2030.
Unlike the previous system, which allocated fertilizer based only on land size and relied solely on the Fertilizer Corporation, the new approach bases subsidies on average green leaf harvests and allows distribution through approved private companies, ensuring faster and more organized service.
Small and medium tea growers have welcomed the system, describing it as more convenient and efficient.
In addition, due to the current Middle East war situation, the government has announced a special fertilizer subsidy for small tea estate owners.
The Treasury has allocated Rs. 5,000 for a 50‑kg bag to be given once this year, which will also be distributed under the QR system before year’s end. (Newswire)
