Courtesy Hiru News

Trade Union representatives state that stocks of vegetables grown in Nuwara Eliya did not reach the Manning Market or the Dambulla Economic Centre.

All Ceylon Dedicated Economic Centres’ Association Chairperson Aruna Shantha stated that the Nuwara Eliya Economic Centre was also closed considering the farmers’ refusal to supply vegetable stocks in protest for the reduction in yields due to the non-provision of chemical fertilizers to vegetable growers in Nuwara Eliya.

The prices of vegetables are seeing a sharp increase following the decline in vegetable supply to economic centres.

It is reported that wholesale and retail prices of vegetables have recorded a price hike and that the retail price of some vegetables is over Rs. 250 per 100 grams.

Farmers in Nuwara Eliya have decided to close all shops in Nuwara Eliya and Kandapola towns today (21) and hold a black flag protest demanding a solution to the issued faced due to the fertilizer crisis.

The daily supply of vegetables to the Katugastota Economic Center has also been reduced by 90 percent, stated President of the Economic Center Wholesale Traders Association, D.N. Silva.

The Dambulla Economic Center Management Trust stated that the prices of vegetables could go up further due to the non-availability of vegetables in the Nuwara Eliya area from tomorrow.

Our correspondent stated that there was a shortage of farmers and traders visiting the Thambuththegama Economic Center today.