Fertilizer shortage hits farmers

COLOMBO (News1st): Farmers across the country are facing many difficulties due to the shortage of fertilizer. In one incident, farmers arrived at the Keppitipola town with the expectation of purchasing fertilizer required for their cultivations. Although a truck containing 200 sacks of fertilizer had arrived in the Keppetipola town after many days, several farmers had to return empty-handed. "Tell those people who claim that there is sufficient fertilizer in the country to come here and find out for themselves," one farmer said. Farmers in the Thihagoda Divisional Secretariat in Matara who have cultivated 550 acres of land are also experiencing difficulties due to the shortage of fertilizer. "We cannot engage in farming without fertilizer. We can cultivate crops only if there is fertilizer," a farmer complained. Another farmer pointed out that those in power have neglected the farmers despite obtaining their votes during the election.