2026-02-05 / Oral Question: Paddy Land Filling in Anuradhapura District (Q.5/2025) 2026-02-05
Hon. Namal Karunaratne outlined changes to the government's agricultural fertilizer subsidy program, noting that the subsidy was increased to Rs. 20,000 for two hectares and extended to farmers cultivating interim crops on paddy lands. He explained that the payment method was reformed to release the first tranche of funds *before* cultivation begins, with the second tranche conditional on confirmation that cultivation has commenced. He acknowledged delays in the second tranche, attributing them to cyclone-related disruptions, over 4,000 vacancies in Agriculture Research and Production Assistant posts creating staff shortages, and logistical challenges in verifying cultivation commencement across different regional timings. He confirmed that disbursement has since been regularized and all fertilizer subsidy funds would reach farmers within the coming days.
When we assumed office, we increased the subsidy to Rs. 20,000 for two hectares. We also extended fertilizer support to farmers cultivating interim crops on paddy lands. We changed the previous method of releasing funds after cultivation started. Despite the risk that some might not cultivate, we decided from this season to release the first tranche before cultivation (funds are released in two rounds). If someone does not cultivate, we can withhold the second tranche and proceed with that farmer accordingly.
The first-round funds were credited to farmers’ accounts without issue. As you also know as a farmer, timings differ by area—for example, around Kala Wewa compared to around Parakrama Samudra. Therefore, funds do not reach all farmers at once; they vary by decisions taken at cultivation meetings. Consequently, there were some delays in the second round. We accept that. A major reason was Cyclone-related disruptions. Also, there are over 4,000 vacancies for Agriculture Research and Production Assistants. We expanded the payment process, placing a heavy workload on the available officers.
For the second tranche, we needed confirmation that cultivation had commenced. Obtaining that confirmation amid damages and complexities caused some delay. As of now, the process has been regularised. All funds related to fertilizer have been released, and within the next few days, all farmers will receive their subsidy.