The Hon. Kins Nelson

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, when we point out issues, government Members say the Opposition Leader is wrong. In fact, he explains the real situation. We should objectively accept what is right and acknowledge what is wrong.

¶ 02 This morning, regarding fertilizer, I did not argue with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture. There is indeed a fertilizer problem. I represent a farming area. In Polonnaruwa District, paddy farmers lack fertilizer. Water was released on 20 April for land preparation; farmers somehow sourced fertilizer and proceeded. But they say the government has collected Rs. 23,875 from each, and at minimum, they must receive the promised number of fertilizer bags. Even the Minister admitted there is a shortage. If so, why hold the money? Release it immediately through farmer organizations. Five bags were promised; now they say only two and a half will be given. Farmers are desperate.

¶ 03 Farmers are a major strength to the national economy. When the paddy farmer collapses, rice consumers suffer and the economy weakens. Neither consumers nor farmers are treated fairly.

¶ 04 Farmers never asked for free fertilizer. Politicians, to gain electoral advantage, promised free fertilizer or concessions, but after coming to power they fail to deliver. Our Opposition Leader, Hon. Sajith Premadasa, proposed a sound policy: we launched our Agriculture Manifesto in Polonnaruwa, stating that under our government a quality fertilizer bag would be made available in the market at Rs. 5,000. We did not promise free fertilizer. Farmers are proud, self-reliant people; they do not expect handouts. Due to current desperation, they lack options.

¶ 05 You promised not to import even a grain of rice. If proper fertilizer is not provided in the Yala season, what will happen? The Department of Agriculture says 90 kg of fertilizer per acre is required for proper yield, but the government provides only 50 kg. Where will the remainder come from?

¶ 06 You also announced adding Rs. 5,000 to the Rs. 25,000, giving Rs. 30,000 per hectare. But this was not provided in time. If water was released on 20 April, fertilizer support should have come before land preparation. It has still not been given. I propose that even if Yala distribution lags, ensure that by Maha, quality fertilizer is made available in the market. That is what a government is for.