After bearing all government taxes and other expenses for the chemical fertilizers brought to Sri Lanka, even a 50 kg bundle of fertilizer could be given to the farmers for less than Rs.7500. Failure to do so reveals that a large-scale racket is taking place.
It was possible to provide a bundle of fertilizer for less than 8,500 rupees while the exchange rate for one dollar was Rs. 360. However, the farmer cannot get fertilizer at a reasonable price even though the dollar has come down to Rs. 300.
Thus, black market prices have been allowed to exist in terms of chemical fertilizers used for paddy, vegetables and fruits, as well as tea, coconut and rubber. The government has not paid any attention to this matter and has allowed the prices to be fixed according to the needs of the racketeers.
