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| Sunday, 10 February 2002 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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...Causes havoc to c'nut cultivation by Neomi Kodikara Dr. Chitrangani Jayasekara, Acting Director of the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) dismissed the possibility of importing coconuts as various fungal diseases could come into the country. She said so when asked about importing coconuts as a short-time solution for the low yield and high price of coconut in the market. Presently, the market price of a coconut ranges from Rs. 15 - 25. Due to the cumulative effect of the severe drought that prevailed in the country was more than six months last year, the total coconut crop has decreased by 300 million. Only a yield of 272,000 nuts had been received last year in contrast to the 3090 million bumper harvest obtained in the year 2000. A 30 per cent decline in the yield was reported last year and 25 per cent decline is expected this year. According to statistics of the CRI, the yield in a number of coconut plantations in the country has been dwindled. Cultivations in Beliatta and Weeraketiya areas in the Hambantota district had been devastated completely. In many other areas like Ratnapura, Matara, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Chilaw the yield has dropped by 30 per cent to 50 per cent. Dr. Jayasekara added that a greater effect of the devastation will be seen in the following years. Each tree requires approximately 50 litres of water per day which could not be met for about six months due to the prevailing drought. Coconut cultivation needs approximately 1500 mm rain annually, but only 965 mm rain has been received during last year. |
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