Government accused of multi-million dollar fertiliser loss

The National Agrarian Unity has alleged that the Government is incurring a loss of around US$ 250 million each agricultural season by purchasing fertiliser from Middle Eastern countries at higher prices, despite the availability of cheaper options elsewhere.

Speaking to a local media outlet, the organisation’s President, Anuradha Tennakoon, stated that Sri Lanka could import urea from countries like Kazakhstan at much lower costs.

He said they have received reliable information indicating that Kazakhstan is prepared to supply fertiliser at approximately US$ 200–300 per metric tonne, while Sri Lanka is currently buying from countries such as Oman at prices ranging between US$ 500 and 800.

According to Tennakoon, this price gap leads to significant financial losses. He noted that with an annual fertiliser requirement of about 50,000 metric tonnes, the country ends up losing roughly US$ 250 million per season.

He also called on the Government to engage diplomatically with Kazakhstan to secure a more affordable supply deal.

If such an agreement is reached, he said farmers could purchase a 50 kg bag of fertiliser for around Rs. 7,000 to Rs. 9,000.

Fertiliser costs and supply issues have continued to be major concerns in Sri Lanka, especially in the wake of recent global and regional crises, including disruptions related to the Middle East.