Organic fertiliser

This letter is with reference to the news item that appeared in the Business Times last week under the heading “Govt. to procure organic inputs for Maha season”.

It was stated there that the importation of minerals required for the preparation of composed organic fertiliser to the country is to be undertaken shortly. It is also noted that the Maha season is f rom September to March. Please note the application of fertiliser during the Maha season should be implemented in October / November and by early December it should be concluded since the weather conditions after mid-December won’t be favourable for fertiliser application.

We are of the opinion that the required imports have still not been implemented. In the event such quantum is to be imported following port clearing and blending/bagging etc, the organic fertiliser will take at least another three to four months to reach the farmer. At that time it will be rather late to go in for an organic fertiliser application covering the Maha season.

Therefore with the view to overcome this situation the Coconut Growers Association of Sri Lanka would like the authorities to consider importing inorganic (chemical) fertiliser for the coconut industry which could be easily applied during October/ November. The rainfall pattern during the year 2020/ 21 has been very favourable for enhanced harvest and such application of inorganic fertiliser definitely will still give a better harvest.

With regard to the mixture required for the organic fertiliser please note 800g of Urea, 900g Eppawela Rock Phosphate and 1600g of Muriate of Potash is recommended. As such in order to prepare an organic mixture to reach the above recommendations you will have to find an alternate to replace 800g of Urea per tree.

Ranjith Dias Past President Coconut Growers Association of

Sri Lanka