The government is focusing on easing the ban on the import of chemical pesticides.

The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed to import third and fourth class pesticides registered with the Office of the Registrar of Pesticides and classified as hazardous by the World Health Organization, subject to a decision of the Department of Agriculture.

The Minister of Agriculture Mahindananda Aluthgamage has submitted a Cabinet Memorandum seeking approval to import the agrochemicals by the Petroleum Corporation or local agencies and store them in the warehouses of the Ceypetco Agrochemical Division and sell them through the Agrarian Service Centers on the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture.

It is proposed to issue such agrochemicals under the supervision of an officer appointed by the Director General of Agriculture.