NEW Coconut Triangle in Northern Province from September

Plantation Industries Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said that in conjunction with the World Coconut Day

on September 2, the second coconut triangle will be named in the Northern Province this year in Jaffna, Point Peduru, Mannar and Mullaitivu.

Minister Pathirana mentioned this while attending a press conference held yesterday (2) at the Presidential Media Center regarding the review of the annual progress of the Plantations Ministry.

The Minister also stated that the export income of coconuts has increased in the recent past and the demand for products such as coconut milk and activated carbon production are increasing.

It was stated that an income of US$ 700 million is expected from exports related to coconut products this year and plans are made to obtain an export income of US$ 2 billion from coconut related products within the next decade.

Two-thirds of coconut production is used for local consumption and one-third is used for exports.The Minister stated that efforts should be made to get more opportunities for exports by changing this situation and encourage people under the ‘Gewattata Pol Gewatten’ programme implemented by the Ministry. The Minister said that two coconut plants are enough for a household for consumption needs.