In an effort to streamline the fertilizer subsidy process and improve efficiency, the government of Sri Lanka has introduced a new method of transferring fertilizer subsidy funds directly to farmers’ bank accounts. According to Rohana Rajapaksa, the Agricultural Development Commissioner General, this decision was made to ensure that farmers receive their subsidies in a more timely and effective manner. Previously, the fertilizer subsidy was disbursed only after the cultivation season had commenced.
Under the new system, the government aims to facilitate quicker access to funds for farmers, thereby supporting their agricultural activities without unnecessary delays. As part of the initial phase, the Treasury has allocated a sum of 521.5 million rupees to fund the fertilizer subsidy for farmers across 19 districts. A total of 42,125 farmers are set to benefit from this subsidy, with 36,587 farmers already receiving the first installment of the support.
This reform is expected to enhance the efficiency of the agricultural subsidy program, helping farmers access the resources they need to boost productivity while reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
