COLOMBO, April 2 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is stepping up measures to secure fertilizer supplies for farmers as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East threatens imports, the President's Media Division said in a statement on Thursday.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake instructed officials to streamline the existing fertilizer distribution system and explore alternative import arrangements to address challenges affecting supplies, the PMD said. It noted that the president also ordered tighter distribution controls, anti-hoarding action and alternative sourcing efforts.
During a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat, officials reviewed current stocks and the distribution mechanism, with the president stressing the need for proper district-level management to ensure timely delivery to farmers, the PMD said.
He also ordered authorities to maintain strategic reserves under the current circumstances, the PMD added.
The agricultural season has started in some Sri Lankan provinces. ■
