Chemical fertilizer companies behind protests: Mahindananda

COLOMBO (News 1st); Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage alleges that the chemical fertilizer companies are the reasons for farmers to engage in protests claiming that there is a fertilizer shortage in the country.

Speaking during an event held in Anuradhapura today (17), the Minister said that the same companies are funding Namal Karunaratne as well.

Alleging that the JVP and SLFP have also joined the protests, the Aluthgamage said that the issue has been politicized.

Speaking further, the Minister said that as the relevant quantity of organic fertilizer has already been brought down into the country, what the farmers can do is to continue on with the Maha season farming as it takes another two months to import the necessary organic fertilizer.

The Minister also said that due to the issue being politicized, Government officials have distanced themselves from it.

"If we imported the fertilizer and gave it to the Agricultural Service Centers and then they distributed it to the farmers, that is all that we have to do. We have even promised compensation for the farmers. What else can the Government do?" he asked.