The government is to introduce a scheme to provide fertilizer subsidy to coconut growers in the country. The Chairman Coconut Cultivation Board Sarath Keerthirathna told news.lk that on the instruction of the Minister Jagath Pushpakumara action is being taken to submit a Cabinet proposal for the purpose.Mr. Sarath Keerthirathna said that at present only 20 percent of the growers are major plantation holders and 80% of the produce come from small holders. The government proposes to provide a 50 kg bag of coconut fertilizer at subsidized price of Rs 1000/ instead of the current price of Rs 3000.00
“Even at the current price of fertilizer if Rs 150/ is spent on a coconut tree per year the produce could be doubled. Unfortunately the coconut growers have not realized its benefits” Mr Sarath Keerthirathna said.
Last week Economic Development minister Basil Rajapaksa held discussion with coconut growers where the growers Assosciation pointed out that a coconut palm required at least three kg of fertilizer a year to double the produce within an year.
He said that the coconut cultivation board has 17 regional offices and a network of distribution could be streamlined through agrarian services offices as well. The subsidy scheme is expected to cost Rs 4500 million he said.
“Even at the current price of fertilizer if Rs 150/ is spent on a coconut tree per year the produce could be doubled. Unfortunately the coconut growers have not realized its benefits” Mr Sarath Keerthirathna said.
Last week Economic Development minister Basil Rajapaksa held discussion with coconut growers where the growers Assosciation pointed out that a coconut palm required at least three kg of fertilizer a year to double the produce within an year.
He said that the coconut cultivation board has 17 regional offices and a network of distribution could be streamlined through agrarian services offices as well. The subsidy scheme is expected to cost Rs 4500 million he said.
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