Strict legal action will be taken against those who attempt to sell subsidized fertilizer at a higher price, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. During a meeting held recently at the Ministry with the representatives of farmer organizations, Minister Amaraweera said the government has taken measures to provide subsidized fertilizer to farmers under the re-implemented fertilizer subsidy program me.

According to the Minister, around 705,370 farmers will be benefitted under this program me during this Yala season and 1,103,861.87 acres of land are scheduled to be cultivated. The government has allocated Rs. 32,500 million for the program me. Under this program me, a 50kg bag of fertilizer will be sold to paddy farmers at Rs. 500 and the fertiliser will be issued through Agrarian Services Centers. A bag of fertilizer for farmers who grow other crops will be sold at Rs. 1,500.

 “The price of a 50kg bag of fertiliser in the open market is Rs. 1,500 and the public can make complaints with regard to errant traders to the Ministry which will take measures to cancel their licenses,” he added.