Due to the complete suspension of the import of pesticides by the government, there is a risk of counterfeit and banned pesticides falling into the hands of farmers through illegal routes, said Croplife Sri Lanka, a joint venture between pesticide importers and other parties.
As a result, the quality of agricultural crops in the country is declining and farmers are at risk, the organization said.
Despite the current crisis, steps are being taken to import a quantity of selected crop protection material, but it has not been able to fully meet the needs of the country’s agricultural sector and it is necessary to start cultivation during the growing season to ensure the food security of the country, but the situation has become unstable due to the lack of herbicides and pesticides, the organization said.
They also says that farmers have not been able to start the Maha season properly.
Therefore, the organization calls on the government to provide crop protection materials, including herbicides, insecticides, herbicides, insecticides and fungicides, which are essential for agriculture, without delay.