Although the government has lifted the ban on fertilizer imports, fertilizer importing companies say that there will be a severe shortage of fertilizer in the coming Yala season.
The import companies also say that they have not been able to import fertilizer due to the shortage of dollars and the inability to issue letters of credit.
The companies say that at least 300,000 tons of fertilizer is required for paddy cultivation and other cultivations during the Yala season and only 30,000 tons have been ordered so far.
Fertilizer importers point out that the Yala season will begin in late March and thereafter fertilizer will be required, but farmers will be affected during the Yala season this year due to lack of fertilizer.
They say it will take at least two months to open letters of credit and import fertilizer into the country.