Veena Annadana
Well-Known Member
June 22, Colombo: The Sri Lankan government says it would promote organic farming as a precaution to prevent any threat that could arise from pesticides that may contain arsenic.
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has said agro chemicals containing banned substances would not be allowed to reach the local market.
However, Abeywardena has observed that organic fertilizer was a better option to chemical fertilizer that costs millions of rupees.
According to the Minister, chemical fertilizer increases crop yield only by 40 percent while costing a large amount of money.
Abeywardena has told parliament that the government would work to promote organic farming.
Controversy surrounding agro chemicals imported to the country erupted with the seizure of a consignment of chemicals by the Sri Lanka Customs.
Initial tests carried out by the Customs revealed that the agro chemicals contained mercury and arsenic.
Source: Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan government to promote organic farming
Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena has said agro chemicals containing banned substances would not be allowed to reach the local market.
However, Abeywardena has observed that organic fertilizer was a better option to chemical fertilizer that costs millions of rupees.
According to the Minister, chemical fertilizer increases crop yield only by 40 percent while costing a large amount of money.
Abeywardena has told parliament that the government would work to promote organic farming.
Controversy surrounding agro chemicals imported to the country erupted with the seizure of a consignment of chemicals by the Sri Lanka Customs.
Initial tests carried out by the Customs revealed that the agro chemicals contained mercury and arsenic.
Source: Sri Lanka : Sri Lankan government to promote organic farming