Agri Scientists from Laiyu Chemical Co. Ltd., China, which is the joint venture partner to manufacture fertilizer in Sri Lanka with Araliya Agro Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd., were in Polonnaruwa last week to perform the final tests before a final formula is decided.
Charmian of Araliya Agro Holdings Dudley Sirisena, said the experts had not completed the best formula suitable for the manufacture of fertilizer locally which would save billions of dollars draining out of Sri Lanka for the import of fertilizer.
He said that the JBV to manufacture fertilizer was signed two months ago and already the 10 acre land is being cleared in Polonnaruwa for the building of the factory. It is funded by a consortium of three companies namely, Araliya Agro Holdings, Laiyu Chemical Co. Ltd., China and Danton Pajarillaga of Philippines, who would invest around Rs. 360 million to set up this plant in Polonnaruwa. The first locally made fertilizer would be available from August 2020.
He said that they would sell 70% of their products in Sri Lanka, while the balance would be exported to SAARC countries.
“We will utilize the paddy husks, vegetable waste and other locally found material to manufacture fertilizer importing only important enzymes which would make local value addition of over 96%.”
“Most importantly, we would be manufacturing an alternate fertilizer to replace glyphosate for the plantation sector.”
He said that he is also thankful to the coordinator of the project Hiu Bandaranayake, who introduced the two foreign partners to him.
Sirisena said that the two scientists from China was in Polonnnaruwa, re-examined the paddy fields for which the fertilizer samples were added four months ago.
Scientist Laiyu Chemical Co. Ltd., China, Alice Lee said that the tests were successful, adding that the local fertilizer to be manufactured in Sri Lanka could increase paddy yields three fold. “Results show that plants have stood firm in different climatic conditions. This fertilizer is also not harmful to water and even fish and other water species would not perish if the fertilizers get in to the water.”
She said that the yields would also increase when the agri fertilizer is added to fruits and vegetables, which would give better takes and a larger fruit.
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