Agriculture Dept recommends Eppawala Single Super Phosphate over imported TSP for paddy and other crops

By Ifham Nizam

The Department of Agriculture has recommended Single Super Phosphate (SSP) fertilizer as the most suitable option for country’s soil, replacing imported Triple Super Phosphate (TSP).

The steering committee yesterday appointed by the Presidential Secretariat convened to discuss the utilization of Single Super Phosphate fertilizer derived from Eppawala Rock Phosphate for paddy cultivation and other crops. Chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mahinda Amaraweera, the focus of the meeting was the domestic production of Single Super Phosphate fertilizers.

Annually, Sri Lanka allocates USD 30 million on importing triple super fertilizers. However, recent research indicates that Single Super Phosphate fertilizer is highly compatible with our soil, presenting a viable alternative. The Eppawala rock phosphate deposit, currently holding 60 million tonnes of phosphate, ensures a sustainable production of single super phosphate fertilizers for years to come. This initiative promises significant savings by negating the need for costly imports.

Presently, eight private sector manufacturers have commenced large-scale production of single super phosphate using rock phosphate from Eppawala. Consequently, both privately and government-produced fertilizers are poised to support paddy cultivation in the upcoming Maha season.

Minister Mahinda Amaraweera emphasized the importance of informing farmers about the benefits of single super phosphate. He directed the National Fertilizer Secretariat and the two state-owned fertilizer companies, Lanka Fertilizer Company and Commercial Fertilizer Company, to initiate an outreach program.

The Minister also noted the directive from President Ranil Wickremesinghe to expedite the production of Single Super Phosphate domestically. Plans are underway to implement the use of this fertilizer starting from the 2024/25 Maha season.