The Hon. T. K. Jayasundara

¶ 01 Hon. Speaker, I thank the Minister. We have discussed this with experts and the Ministry, but I am not fully satisfied that adequate attention is given. Soil acidification due to fertilizer use, poor retention of negative ions, and inability to maintain organic matter have caused serious problems not only for tea and associated crops but across agriculture. Biochar, especially from bamboo, improves microbial activity and “spongy” soil properties, aiding water retention under high evapotranspiration and erratic rainfall. It also contributes to long-term carbon. This is a national issue, intersecting with fertilizer concerns in all sectors. I propose a coordinated structure involving the Ministries of Plantation, Agriculture, and Finance to act swiftly. What is the Minister’s view?