Sri Lankan Import Restrictions Over Chemical Fertilizers Causes Concern

Sri Lanka officially implemented its import restrictions over fertilizers and agrochemicals (see 2104260022), which caused “widespread concern” among the country’s farmers and agricultural professionals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service said in a report released June 3. The restrictions, which affect insecticides and herbicides and apply to all imported goods with bills of lading or airway bills issued on or after May 6, require traders to secure a license before importing those goods. USDA said Sri Lanka may see a rise in food insecurity because of the country’s lack of “organic fertilizer productive capacity” and the “absence of a formalized plan to import organic fertilizers in lieu of chemical fertilizers.”