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| Sunday, 11 January 2004 |
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Poor quality, barrier to increase papaya exports by Chanuka Mannapperuma As a popular home garden crop, papaya has the potential for expansion within export and domestic markets. It is an exotic fruit which is commonly available in village markets (pola), green groceries and supermarkets in Sri Lanka. Deputy Director of the Export Development Board (EDB), M.Z.M. Farhad said Europe is the major export market for Sri Lankan papaya. However, Sri Lanka will lose potential markets due to the poor quality of its papaya. He said Brazil is the largest global producer of papaya with 1.75 million metric tonnes (Mt) per annum. Second is India with 1.2 million Mt. About 27,000 Mt of papaya is sold in the UK, European Union, Maldives and USA. In the world market, there is a demand for fruits with a weight of between 450-1000 grams. The Sri Lankan papaya variety called 'Rathna' enjoys a 12-14 per cent demand in the world market, but we cannot cater to that demand because of substandard quality. 'Rathna' grows in the Dry Zone mainly in Anuradhapura, Ampara and Polonnaruwa. It has few seeds. The pulp is reddish in colour while the skin is yellow and green. Farhad said: "We are going to introduce another papaya variety called 'Red Lady'. I am sure it will be in demand in the local market". Transport problems, lack of finances and natural disasters are some of the problems encountered by papaya growers and traders. This in turn results in them losing profits. A person growing papaya in at least two acres as a self-employment project can get 150 per cent profits. Cultivators can get advice from the Department of Agriculture about successful cultivation. According to EDB statistics, in 2001 Sri Lanka exported 14 Mt of papaya, in 2002 5.3 Mt and in 2003, 30 Mt. "We can increase the quantity by supplying quality fruit," he added. Papaya or papaw can be grouped into many varieties. It is also used to make pickles. There are organised production systems and steady markets with the potential for expansion with improvement of quality and post-harvest management. Every part of the papaya tree has medicinal value. Papaya helps to break down proteins and carbohydrates. It is primarily used to treat chronic diarrhoea, cole disease, gastrointestinal discomfort and intestinal parasites. Papaya also helps to increase digestion and nourish the endocrine system. The fruit contains calories, fat, carbohydrate, protein, fibre, Vitamins A,B, C and D, calcium and iron. |
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