(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – The Minister of Plantations, Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday (28) that the export of coconut and coconut-based products earned US $ 836 million in foreign exchange in 2021.
The Minister said that he expects the export of coconut and related products to earn up to US $ 1.5 billion in the next five years.
The Minister said so while participating in the cultivation of coconuts and king coconuts under the Sojan scheme in barren paddy fields in the Balapitiya, Kosgoda, Karijjapitiya and Wellangoda anicut areas.
The Minister said that there is a possibility of earning more foreign exchange by exporting coconut and allied products by further popularizing coconut cultivation. He also said that the plantation sector has made the necessary arrangements to overcome the foreign exchange crisis faced by the country.
The Minister said that Sri Lankan coconuts are gaining a brand name similar to Sri Lankan tea due to the world recognition that Sri Lankan coconuts are tastier than Indonesian and Philippine coconuts.
The Minister further stated that while achieving these trade targets, it is expected to produce 6 million coconut seedlings this year to increase coconut production.
