Sri Lanka plans a nationwide QR code fertilizer distribution system to prevent price exploitation, improve transparency, and guarantee stable fertilizer supplies for farmers across the island.
Sri Lanka is preparing to introduce a digital QR code fertilizer distribution system aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in how fertilizer is allocated to farmers. Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lal Kantha revealed the proposal while briefing the media in Colombo about the country’s fertilizer supply management and the government’s future agricultural policy plans.
According to the minister, the proposed QR code fertilizer system will help streamline the process of issuing fertilizer to farmers while building a more organized and traceable distribution network. He explained that QR-based monitoring is increasingly becoming a reliable tool to track fertilizer allocation and reduce irregularities in the supply chain. Lal Kantha noted that a proposal for the system has already been submitted and authorities are preparing to launch a pilot programme as the first phase before expanding the digital fertilizer monitoring system across the entire country.
The government has also reassured farmers that Sri Lanka currently maintains sufficient fertilizer stocks and that there is no immediate shortage affecting agricultural production. Lal Kantha emphasized that measures have been taken to maintain stable fertilizer availability during the current cultivation season, ensuring that farming activities continue without disruption across major agricultural regions.
However, the minister raised concerns about reports that certain private sector traders and intermediaries have been selling fertilizer at inflated prices. According to Lal Kantha, fertilizer prices in some areas have risen to between Rs. 12,000 and Rs. 13,000, which he described as an unfair burden on farmers and consumers who rely on affordable fertilizer for crop cultivation and food production.
He stated that such price manipulation represents clear exploitation within the fertilizer market and warned that authorities are closely monitoring the situation. Lal Kantha said the government has already notified the relevant institutions to avoid unjustified price increases and ensure that fertilizer remains accessible to farmers at reasonable prices.
The Consumer Affairs Authority is expected to take a more active role in monitoring fertilizer markets and enforcing regulations where necessary. Lal Kantha said regulatory agencies will intervene when required to investigate complaints and take action against individuals or businesses responsible for unreasonable fertilizer price hikes.
Despite the concerns surrounding pricing practices, the minister assured that Sri Lanka is not facing a fertilizer crisis during the present cultivation season. He explained that available fertilizer stocks combined with ongoing government measures are expected to maintain supply stability and support farmers throughout the planting period.
Looking ahead, Lal Kantha also confirmed that the government is arranging to import additional fertilizer stocks from China in the coming months. The planned shipment, expected to arrive by May, is intended to further strengthen Sri Lanka’s fertilizer reserves and ensure that farmers will have uninterrupted access to fertilizer during future cultivation seasons.
