The Agriculture Ministry's programme to minimize the use of Agrochemicals and pesticides will adhere to minimizing the use of pesticides and agro-chemicals gradually.

Sri Lanka annually imports approximately 8,000 metric tons (MT) of Agrochemicals and 900,000 MT of chemical fertilizer.

Furthermore, a joint research project conducted by the Sri Lankan government and the WHO has found that the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in the country's main agricultural production regions caused by fertilizer and pesticide use.

The government will appoint officers engaged in agriculture extension activities as Plant Physicians in Crop Clinics and take measures to establish Organic Villages where natural fertilizer will be used. (ST/KH)