Mar 16, Colombo: For the first time after three crop seasons, a ship carrying TSP fertilizer, also called mud fertilizer needed for paddy cultivation has arrived at the port of Colombo early today (16).

Singapore-registered MV INCE PACIFIC bulk carrier has brought 36,000 metric tons of TSP fertilizer to Sri Lanka today and another similar ship of mud fertilizer is scheduled to arrive in the near future.

This TSP fertilizer has been given with the contribution of United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and USAID agencies.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that arrangements have been made to provide this stock of mud fertilizer to all the 1.2 million paddy farmers who planted paddy in 2022/23 Maha season whether they will or not plant paddy in the 2023 Yala season.

As recommended by the Department of Agriculture, 55 kg of TSP fertilizer per hectare will be provided free of charge.

Accordingly, after three crop seasons, this Yala season is the only season where the farmers will receive all types of fertilizers at the same time.

Accordingly, the minister said arrangements have been made to provide all three types of chemical fertilizers namely TSP fertilizer (mud fertilizer), urea and MOP (Bandy fertilizer) to the farmers.

The official delivery of this TSP fertilizer stock and distribution to the farmers will be done next Sunday (19) at 01.00 pm at Wattala Commercial Fertilizer Company premises.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, representatives of the World Food and Agriculture Organization and USAID are expected to participate in this event.