Sri Lanka, April 17 -- The government's recent fertiliser subsidy for smallholder tea planters lacks efficient distribution, according to the National Tea Planters' Association (NTPA), which argues that price reductions are more beneficial than subsidies. Association President Saman Geeganage noted that previous subsidies failed to reach some growers and often arrived at the wrong times. Planters typically require fertiliser applications four times a year, totalling at least 150 kg per acre, yet government releases occur roughly every six months.

Strict eligibility requirements also hinder access, as growers must prove a monthly harvest average of 150 kg, a target often missed due to labour shortages. Geeganage suggested that removing ta...