The Cabinet has approved a joint proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies and Minister of Digital Economy, together with the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Lands and Irrigation, to introduce a QR code or suitable digital mechanism to streamline the fertiliser subsidy programme.

The move comes in response to the need to ensure that farmers receive fertiliser subsidies on time and that the financial support provided by the government is fully utilised for fertiliser requirements in agricultural activities. It was also noted that proper post-monitoring of the programme is essential to guarantee transparency and efficiency.

Under the new system, all eligible farmers will be identified through regional officers attached to the Ministry of Agriculture. Subsidies will then be distributed via a QR-based or similar digital mechanism, enabling more efficient, transparent, and accountable delivery of benefits.