Posted on June 14th, 2021
By Darshani Kumaragamage, PhD d.kumaragamage@uwinnipeg.ca
Banning the import and use of synthetic chemical fertilizers:
I read with interest and concern the conflicting and controversial views expressed by many experts and stakeholders, regarding the Sri Lankan government’s decision to ban the importation of agrochemicals, including synthetic chemical fertilizers. Undoubtedly, some have genuine concerns regarding the negative impacts of synthetic chemical fertilizers on the environment and human health, while others see the potential threat of a food shortage if synthetic fertilizers are totally replaced by organic sources. Any action adopted in a quest to do the right” thing should be guided by careful analysis of the expected outcomes as well as the unintended consequences, which are often difficult to foresee.