COLOMBO, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government has decided to provide an additional 5,000-rupee (15.52 U.S. dollars) fertilizer subsidy to small-scale tea plantation owners, minister of plantations and community infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne said.
The subsidy has been introduced to reduce the impact of rising fertilizer prices on small growers, amid higher global prices, shipping costs, and maritime insurance premiums, according to local media reports.
The minister added that there was no fertilizer shortage in the country at present, but warned that prices could increase further due to global market conditions and higher import-related costs.
The government earlier provided paddy farmers with an additional subsidy of 5,000 Sri Lankan rupees per hectare, up to a maximum of two hectares.
Vidyaratne said the new subsidy for small-scale tea plantation owners is an effort to reduce the financial burden on farmers caused by fertilizer price increases, and that the government would ensure a continuous fertilizer supply despite the expected rise in import costs. ■
