Five-year action plan to up coconut export income to US$ 2 Bn

Local coconut shortage hampers foreign demand

Large amount of coconut wasted daily

Agriculture and Plantation Industry Minister Mahinda Amaraweera instructed the officials of the Plantation Industry Ministry to prepare a five-year action plan with the aim of increasing the coconut export income to US$ two billion.

The Minister said that this five-year action plan is proposed to be implemented from next year and for that purpose it should be implemented with the contribution of all sectors including the Coconut Development Authority, Coconut Research Board, and Lunuwila Coconut Research Institute.

Minister Amaraweera said so during a meeting held at the Agriculture Ministry regarding the future activities of the Coconut Development Authority on Wednesday (29). The Ministry officials and the Coconut Development Authority officials participated in this discussion.

Although there is a high demand for coconut and coconut-related products in our country in the international market, still 75 percent of the total coconut production in this country is used for domestic consumption. Even if the remaining 25 percent is exported, exports will be hampered in case of local coconut shortage.

Due to this, the demand of our country in the international market is attracted to other countries. In order to avoid this situation, the coconut production in this country should be increased as well as the coconut consumption pattern should be changed locally.

It was also emphasized that a large amount of coconut is wasted daily, especially in the consumption of local coconuts.

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