Fertiliser ban could have disasterous outcome

A number of scientists in the fields of agronomy, soil science, and entomology, in articles published in newspapers during the last few weeks, have highlighted the undesirable effects of banning the import of agrochemicals on the economy. Already paddy and vegetable farmers in many parts of the country are facing immense problems, due to non-availability of inorganic fertilisers and other agrochemicals. According to them, yields are going to be reduced and pest and disease problems will have undesirable effects on crops.

The Soil Science Society of Sri Lanka, (SSSSL) the membership of which includes soil scientists representing the university academia, the Department of Agriculture etc. has expressed its concerns over the proposed move to ban the import of agrochemicals. Sri Lanka Agricultural Economics Association (SAEA), the professional body representing the agricultural economists of Sri Lanka, too predicts massive economic losses due to potential yield losses, with the implementation of the import ban on fertilisers and pesticides. The immediate adverse impacts on food security, farm incomes, foreign exchange earnings and rural poverty can be detrimental.

The net effects of banning import of agrochemicals (inorganic fertilisers and pesticides) are many. Among these are food shortage causing widespread starvation, an increase in the expenditure on food imports ( we spend nearly Rs. 300 billion a year on food imports).

Decrease in tea and rubber production, resulting in a decrease in export earnings causing the trade deficit to widen, which at present is around Rs 2,000 billion.

The repercussions of all this is highly disastrous to the country and to the people, and it is the Cabinet of Sri Lanka which has to be responsible for this.

A CITIZEN