Fertilizer shortage: Farmers islandwide engage in protests

COLOMBO (News 1st); Paddy cultivation in the Maha season is due to commence in a few days, however the shortage in fertilizers and agrochemicals is an issue which has not been addressed yet. Farmers are now releasing their frustrations through protest campaigns. Farmers of Dehiattakandiya and Serupitiya were seen protesting today (10). The farmers demanded for the Government officials to resign if they have no understanding of agriculture, and some said that although the next season is due to commence in six days, no fertilizer have been given to the farmers. "What are we supposed to eat after we sell the paddy already at home and cultivate the rest?" Some said. Another group of farmers marched from Elahera Karandagolla Junction to Karadagolla Paddy Field today in protest of the Government's handling of the fertilizer issue. Some farmers claim that they have already sold everything in possession and the rest have bee mortgaged to the bank. They also stated that they may be pushed to beg on the streets if no alternative is given as well. Farmers in Gonapola, Godigamuwa and other areas in Horana also protested today. These farmers stated that Government officials do not see that all the plant nurseries have been destroyed because they are not the ones who live by cultivating paddy lands, while others demanded for the President to inquire into the matter. Farmers' organizations in Galle, Wakwella and Horagampita also took to the streets today. " If this is the so-called Vision of Prosperity, If this is the future, we will have to eat without rice soon" some of them said. Others added that as it takes two months to make compost, there is no way to grind the compost. Moreover, they stated that there is no way to cultivate the paddy except to give the responsibility of the matter to the person who prescribed this measure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqXEPRA9a9U