President Gotabaya Rajapaksa stressed that the importation of chemical fertilizers will be completely stopped in the near future.
A statement from The president's office said the usage of chemical fertilizers leads to a better harvest. However, the negative consequences caused on human lives through pollution of lakes, canals and groundwater due to the chemical fertilizers outweigh the profit.
The health sector has pointed out that the effects of chemical fertilizers have led to a number of non-communicable diseases, including kidney diseases.
The expenses to treat these patients and the impact on human lives caused by
these chemical fertilizers remain high. In order to produce a healthy and productive citizenry, the government must ensure the right of the people to access a non-toxic and balanced diet.
President Rajapaksa said that measures will be taken to ensure that only organic fertilizer would be used in the agriculture sector in the country
in the future.
The President shared these views at a meeting held with the heads of state corporations and statutory boards at the President's House Thursday(22).
All the respective parties should intervene to increase the production of organic fertilizer in the country.
The President said that organic fertilizer will be provided in lieu of the concessionary fertilizer package for farmers.
The President highlighted that the annual sum of USD 400 million spent on fertilizer imports could be used to uplift the lives of the people.
The President said that the people expected a change in policy by electing him into the Office. President Rajapaksa said that the support of everyone is needed to fulfil those aspirations for the country.
(Mirror)