The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has launched a fertilizer support programme to assist smallholder paddy farmers in the Anuradhapura District whose fields were damaged by Cyclone Ditwah, helping them recover production in time for the upcoming Yala cultivation season in Sri Lanka.

Through a voucher scheme valued at USD 300,000, FAO will provide targeted fertilizer support to 3,489 smallholder paddy farmers, including 1,686 women farmers, whose fields were partially or fully damaged by the cyclone during the Maha cultivation season in Sri Lanka 2025/26.

According to the FAO, eligible farmers will receive electronic vouchers (e-vouchers) to purchase essential fertilizers from Agrarian Service Centres. 

Farmers cultivating up to 0.5 acres will receive vouchers valued at USD 75 (LKR 23,625), while those cultivating more than 0.5 acres up to 1 acre will receive USD 90 (LKR 28,350). The vouchers can be used to obtain fertilizers including Urea fertilizer, Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), and Muriate of Potash (MOP).

“This initiative demonstrates the strong collaboration between FAO and the Government of Sri Lanka to support farmers recovering from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah,” said Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga, Commissioner-General of the Department of Agrarian Development. “By enabling timely access to essential fertilizers ahead of the Yala cultivation season, this support will help affected farmers restore paddy production and safeguard the livelihoods of smallholder farming communities in Anuradhapura.”

“Through this fertilizer voucher programme, FAO aims to help farmers quickly return to cultivation while strengthening their production capacity and contributing to local food security. This also marks the first time FAO in Sri Lanka is implementing an online digital fertilizer voucher programme, expanding our emergency response tools to ensure farmers receive timely and flexible support,” Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, said, emphasizing the importance of timely agricultural recovery assistance for vulnerable farmers.

Alongside fertilizer support, each beneficiary will also receive a free technical booklet on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in paddy cultivation for practical guidance on key stages of rice production. This knowledge resource is designed to help farmers improve productivity and sustainability while making more efficient use of agricultural inputs.

The FAO stated that by combining timely input support with practical technical guidance, it aims to help affected farmers recover from the cyclone’s impacts and sustain rice production in one of Sri Lanka’s key agricultural districts. (Newswire)

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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)

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An Omani-Indian fertiliser joint venture plans to list on the Muscat stock exchange as Oman’s government renews its privatisation drive.

Oman India Fertiliser Company (Omifco) has sent requests to banks for proposals on its potential listing, Bloomberg reported.

State-backed energy company OQ owns 50 percent of the venture, with the rest equally split between Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited and Krishak Bharati Cooperative Limited, according to the Omifco website.

Listing plans are at an early stage, the report said.

Read more:  https://www.agbi.com/markets/2025/09/oman-india-fertiliser-company-plans-float-on-muscat-bourse (AGBI)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved introducing a QR system or a suitable digital method for the distribution of fertilizer subsidies for farmers. 

According to the government, this approach ensures that subsidies are delivered on time and that the financial support is fully utilized by farmers for their agricultural fertilizer needs. 

The need to guarantee both timely delivery and proper usage has been emphasized. To make the distribution process more efficient and systematic, the use of QR codes or other suitable digital methods has been identified as essential.

Under this initiative, all eligible farmers will be identified by regional officers operating under the Ministry of Agriculture. Once verified, fertilizer subsidies will be provided using a QR-based or appropriate digital system. 

The proposal in this regard, put forward by the President and the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands, and Irrigation, has received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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Three Indian fertilizer companies — IPL, KRIBHCO and Coromandel — have signed agreements with Ma’aden, the Saudi Arabian major, for importing 3.1 million metric tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) per annum for five years from 2025–26.

The agreements were signed during Chemicals and Fertilizers Minister JP Nadda’s visit to Dammam and Riyadh between July 11 and 13.

Saudi Arabia is a major source of India’s fertilizer imports, and Ma’aden is a leading producer.

In 2024–25, India imported 19.05 LMT of DAP from the kingdom, a 17 per cent increase over 16.29 LMT during 2023–24.

“With the signing of these long-term agreements for DAP, the supply of DAP will enhance to 30 LMT from FY 2025–26 onwards,” said an official statement.

According to officials, Nadda’s visit to Saudi Arabia focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the field of chemicals and fertilizers. He led a delegation that included the secretary and other senior officials from the Department of Fertilizers and Ministry of External Affairs.

On the last day of his visit, Nadda held discussions with the Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar bin Ibrahim Al Khorayef, in Riyadh on mechanisms to strengthen partnerships in the fertilizer, petrochemical and pharmaceutical sectors.

“The two Ministers also witnessed the signing of Long-Term Agreements between Ma’aden and Indian companies—viz. IPL, KRIBHCO and Coromandel Fertilizers & Chemicals Co.—for supply of 3.1 million MT of DAP fertilizer per annum for five years from 2025–26 onwards, with further extension of five years with mutual consent,” said a statement.

“Both sides underscored their commitment to broadening the scope of bilateral relations to include other key fertilizers such as Urea along with DAP and NPKS, aiming to further ensure India’s fertilizer security. Discussions were also held on facilitating mutual investments, with a focus on exploring opportunities for Indian Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) to invest in the Saudi fertilizer sector, and reciprocally, Saudi investments in India,” the statement said.

“Additionally, the leaders deliberated on avenues for collaborative research, especially in developing India-specific customised and alternative fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. In addition, a joint team has been set up, led by the Secretary (Fertilizer) on the Indian side and the Vice Minister for Mining Affairs in the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources on the Saudi side, to explore long-term collaboration in this sector,” it added.

During his visit, Nadda also held a bilateral meeting with Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and co-chair of the Economy and Investment Committee of the Strategic Partnership Council between India and Saudi Arabia, on ways to enhance the economic partnership between the two countries. The Prince also hosted a lunch in honour of Nadda.

Nadda also met Abdulaziz Al-Rumaih, Saudi Vice Minister of Health in Riyadh on July 13.

“They discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the medical sector, health services, pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and knowledge exchange,” said the statement.

In this context, they noted the significance of the bilateral MoU on Health signed during the recent State Visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia.

Nadda “highly” appreciated Saudi Arabia’s support to Indian pilgrims during Haj 2025 and discussed medical arrangements for the forthcoming Haj 2026, as per the statement.

On the second day (July 12) of his visit, Nadda, along with the accompanying delegation, visited Ma’aden facilities at Ras Al Khair and had a tour of the phosphate production plant.

“They were received by Mr. Hassan Al Ali, Chairman, Ma’aden Phosphate, and other senior officials of Ma’aden,” the statement said.

On the first day (July 11) of Nadda’s visit, the Chairman of the Saudi-India Business Council, Abdulaziz bin Abdul Hadi Al Qahtani, hosted a dinner in honour of the Minister of Chemicals & Fertilizers in Dammam in the presence of the business community from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Nadda’s visit highlighted the strong economic ties between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly in the area of fertilizers, as per sources.

“The visit secured important commitments for the long-term supply of fertilizers from Saudi Arabia to India,” it said. (Indian Express)

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Former Agriculture Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has been remanded over the importation of an allegedly substandard consignment of organic fertilizer from a Chinese company in 2021.

Rejecting his anticipatory application, the  Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court today remanded Aluthgamage until 26 May 2025. 

On 16 May, Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued an arrest warrant against Aluthgamage following a request made by the Bribery Commission.

The Commission alleged that the former minister was involved in facilitating the entry of a ship carrying substandard fertilizer in 2021, despite quality concerns.

At the time, in response, Aluthgamage had filed an anticipatory bail application, seeking to prevent his arrest by the Bribery Commission over the matter. (Newswire)

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Former Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage has filed an anticipatory bail application before the Colombo Magistrate’s Court, seeking to prevent his arrest over a payment made in 2021 to a Chinese firm for a consignment of alleged substandard organic fertiliser.

Filing his anticipatory bail, the former minister informed the court that the Bribery Commission intends to arrest him in connection with allowing a ship carrying the alleged substandard organic fertiliser to enter the country during the government in power in 2021.

Taking into consideration the facts, Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali issued a notice to the Bribery Commission, asking it to present its case before the court on 19 May, regarding the former minister’s request. (Newswire)

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The government is providing a fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 and free red powder fertilizer for the Maha season, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya informed the Parliament. 

The Prime Minister made the statement, responding to a question raised during yesterday’s parliamentary debate regarding the Government’s programme to provide fertilizer subsidies to farmers.

Addressing the Parliament, PM Amarasuriya said the period for providing fertilizer subsidy to each District is from the 1st of October 2024 to the 1st of February 2025. 

She further said that the fertilizer subsidy of Rs. 25,000 will be provided in two phases, in instalments of Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000, with the first instalment of Rs. 15,000 having already been provided.

The PM also stated that in addition to the financial subsidy provided to farmers cultivating paddy, the Government has planned to provide more than 25000MT of Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizer free of charge.

“The Government makes every effort to implement an effective system to meet the fertilizer needs of farmers. Discussions are being held with Organizations of farmers in this regard,” she added. (Newswire)

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Russian Ambassador Levan S. Dzhagaryan has alleged that a European country blocked a consignment of free fertilizer to be granted to Sri Lanka under the World Food Programme. 

The Russian Ambassador revealed the details while addressing an event held to mark the official handing over of free mineral fertilizers to Sri Lanka. 

Ambassador Dzhagaryan said the Embassy was waiting for the arrival of this consignment of fertilizer for over 2 ½ years.

He further said that the consignment was blocked in Latvia due to the illegal sanctions imposed on Russia by European countries. 

Criticising the European Union over the delay, Ambassador Dzhagaryan said fortunately they were able to resolve the matter, enabling the fertilizer consignment to reach Colombo. (Newswire)

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Russia has donated more than 55,000 metric tonnes of potassium chloride fertilizer to Sri Lanka to support the island’s agricultural sector.

The consignment was handed over to Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Minister K. D. Lalkantha at the Colombo Port by Russian Ambassador Levan Dzhagaryan.

The fertilizer produced by Russia’s Uralchem Group, aims to support Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector and strengthen food security, the Russian Embassy in Colombo said. (Newswire)

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Former Minister of Power and Energy Kanchana Wijesekara, has welcomed the resumption of several government initiatives, including the increase of the fertilizer subsidy announced yesterday. 

Wijesekera said that these schemes, initially funded by former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government, were paused by the Election Commission during the Presidential election. 

The projects have now resumed under President Anura Dissanayake, Wijesekera said. 

The revived policies include increasing the fertilizer subsidy from LKR 15,000 to LKR 25,000 and introducing a fuel subsidy for fishermen. 

Wijesekara also highlighted the procurement of solar panels for religious institutions under the Indian Credit Line, with the first shipment arriving in July. (Newswire)

It’s good to see that schemes approved, allocated funds through the treasury and initiated by President @RW_SRILANKA that was stopped by the election commission during the Presidential election recommencing under President @anuradisanayake.

The fertilizer subsidy was increased… pic.twitter.com/aya0LO8AKV

— Kanchana Wijesekera (@kanchana_wij) September 27, 2024

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The proposal to provide fertilizer subsidies to farmers cultivating paddy lands for the 2024/25 Maha Season has received Cabinet approval.

The government states it has observed there is a possibility to ensure food security and increase productivity in the country by providing fertilizer subsidies to the farmers cultivating paddy and other crops in paddy lands. 

Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries to sell fertilizer at a competitive price after importing the fertilizer by the State Fertilizer Company Ltd. and the private sector for the 2024/25 Maha Season

As such, fertilizer is to be provided at a financial subsidy of Rs. 15,000 per hectare for a maximum of two hectares for paddy and other cultivation. (Newswire)

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The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) delivered 8,360 metric tonnes of urea fertilizer this week to the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution during the forthcoming Maha cropping season. 

According to the FAO, this has been made possible through funding from the Government of Japan. 

The essential fertilizer will be distributed to over 228,000 smallholder paddy farmers across several districts in dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, bolstering production and increasing the resilience of smallholder paddy farmers in the country.

The assistance targets smallholder paddy farmers cultivating lands up to one hectare in Kurunegala, Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa, districts.

Under this emergency assistance programme, farmers cultivating up to 0.5 hectares of land will receive 25 kg of urea fertilizer free of charge, while those cultivating up to 1 hectare of land will receive 50 kg of urea, also provided at no cost to the farmers.

Minister of Agriculture in Sri Lanka, Mahinda Amaraweera emphasized the significance of this support in advancing the country’s agricultural goals, saying, “The arrival of this urea fertilizer will support Sri Lanka’s steady recovery. By addressing the needs of our farmers, we are fostering the growth of a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector. I thank the government of Japan and the Japanese people for this valuable aid to the smallholder paddy farmers of Sri Lanka”

The Japanese Ambassador, MIZUKOSHI Hideaki expressed Japan’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector and stated, “We are delighted to be a part of this collaborative effort with FAO and the government of Sri Lanka. Our shared vision of empowering smallholder farmers through sustainable practices aligns well with this initiative. We believe this assistance will significantly contribute to the betterment of Sri Lanka’s farming communities.”

FAO Representative to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Vimlendra Sharan, highlighted the organization’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and its dedication to assisting Sri Lanka’s farming communities, stating, “FAO remains steadfast in its mission to promote sustainable practices and improve the livelihoods of farmers. This collaboration with the government of Japan and the Ministry of Agriculture exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved when nations come together to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers.”

FAO, along with its esteemed partners, reiterates its commitment to supporting the agriculture sector in Sri Lanka and stands united in advancing food security and building a resilient agrifood system in the country. (NewsWire)

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A shipment of 3,820 tonnes of urea fertilizer procured by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) was handed over to the Ministry of Agriculture today.

The FAO said in a statement that through funding from the European Union (EU) the shipment was handed over for distribution among smallholder paddy farmers and paddy seed farmers in Sri Lanka.

This new shipment of urea fertilizer will be dispatched to over 72,200 smallholder paddy farmers who were severely impacted by the recent economic crisis in Polonnaruwa, Badulla, Ampara, Matale, Puttalam, Kurunegala and Hambantota districts and is integral to a 4 million Euro (approximately 1.5 billion rupees) programme launched by FAO and the EU to address the agriculture and food security crisis in Sri Lanka while supporting the introduction of integrated plant nutrient management strategy amongst identified paddy growers, the FAO stated.

Speaking on the support the EU has extended to revitalize Sri Lanka’s paddy cultivation sector, European Union Ambassador, H.E. Denis Chaibi said: “The distribution of urea fertilizers for vulnerable farmers is one of many actions we undertook to respond to the socio-economic crisis affecting millions of people in Sri Lanka. We hope that with this new support we can prevent immediate food shortages but also contribute towards a transition to a more sustainable and resilient agriculture sector in the future”.

Through this programme, every eligible farmer cultivating up to 0.5 Ha of land in the targeted districts will receive 50kg of urea fertilizer for the upcoming cultivating season. Additionally, the programme will also provide high-quality paddy seeds and the necessary technology/capacity building to boost the efficient use of fertilizer.

Minister of Agriculture, Mahinda Amaraweera said, “This initiative by EU and FAO goes beyond providing material inputs and addresses the country’s long-term need to ensure sustainability of the local agriculture sector. I am appreciative of this support extended to our farmers as this will go a long way in helping Sri Lanka become a food secure nation.”

“This consignment of essential urea fertilizer will be the first component of the multi-faceted support FAO will provide through valuable funding from the EU, to boost Sri Lanka’s paddy production and revitalize the local agriculture sector. We will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Irrigation to ensure its success while helping the country’s agriculture sector improve its sustainability through capacity building and training of extension officials and farmers” FAO Representative in Sri Lanka, Vimlendra Sharan said.

The FAO further stated that crop failures during recent harvesting seasons due to shortages of fertilizer and vital inputs, have posed many challenges for smallholder paddy farmers to sustain their livelihoods. This programme seeks to encourage smallholder farmers through material and technical inputs to adopt scientific farming practices to enhance fertilizer use efficiency and strengthen the seed paddy production system in Sri Lanka to meet the current demand. The programme also aims to strengthen government seed farms by providing them with modern, state-of-the-art seed processing and drying machines. (NewsWire)

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The government has announced plans to provide Mada Pohora (TSP) to farmers at a lower price than the current market rate for the upcoming Yala season, through a gazette notification.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the plans were announced by Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera who attended a discussion on agriculture issues held at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussion addressed various agriculture-related topics, including fertilization strategies, paddy marketing issues, and the prevention of yellowing in paddy cultivation. 

The Department of Agriculture revealed that the reduction in the use of Mada Pohora (TSP) is the main cause of yellowing in paddy cultivation. To prevent this disease in the upcoming Yala season, measures will be taken to increase the use of Mada Pohora (TSP). 

The discussion also highlighted the different viewpoints promoted by organic and chemical fertilizer companies, and the importance of reaching a common viewpoint was emphasized by various scholars and institutions. Special attention was given to the use of fertilizer in the upcoming Yala season, and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayake stressed the importance of providing farmers with the opportunity to purchase fertilizer at a lower rate than the previous season. Representatives from fertilizer companies suggested that the Agriculture Department should recommend suitable crops and agricultural inputs to farmers to increase their production at a lower cost. 

During the discussion, the Minister of Agriculture noted that despite the challenges faced by farmers, they were able to produce a better paddy harvest in the last Yala and Maha seasons in line with market requirements. The possibility of selling old rice in warehouses as animal feed was also discussed, with the potential to increase the price of rice and decrease the prices of eggs and chicken in the market. 

The discussion was attended by various officials, including the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, and the President’s Adviser on Food Security, Suren Batagoda. Other participants included Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security A.M.P.M.B. Athapattu, Director General of the Department of Agriculture P. Malathi, Director General of the Consumer Affairs Authority, and representatives of organic and chemical fertilizer companies. (NewsWire)

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