Fertiliser and paddy rates: Farmers warn of protest in Colombo

Farmers have warned the Government that they would launch large-scale protests in Colombo if urgent solutions are not provided for their longstanding issues.

The Gamunu United Farmers’ Association in Dutuwewa Puranagama, Galenbindunuwewa, stated farmers are facing severe difficulties due to the shortage of fertiliser, rising prices, and falling paddy prices.

Association Chairperson K. Hemarathna said fertiliser required for cultivation is either unavailable in the market or being sold at unaffordable prices ranging from Rs 9,000 to Rs 18,500. He also complained that paddy currently sells at only Rs 100 to Rs 105 per kilogram, making it impossible even to recover cultivation costs.

They warned that the combination of soaring production expenses and low returns could eventually force both paddy and vegetable farmers to abandon farming altogether.

The farmers urged the Government to immediately provide the fertiliser subsidy properly and take steps to reduce fertiliser prices without delay.

They further warned that failure to address these issues quickly could directly threaten the country’s future food security.