Local sugar production hits new high
by Uditha Kumarasinghe
Sri Lanka's sugar production recorded remarkable progress last year
with sugar production reaching 48.8 percent to 53,061 metric tons in
2013 mainly due to the increased extent of sugar cane cultivation by
28.5 percent to 11,801 hectares.
According to the Annual Report 2013 of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,
the quantity of sugarcane crushed at the three sugar factories, Pelwatta,
Sevanagala and Gal Oya had increased by 49 percent to 643,403 metric
tons, reflecting the increase in the yield of sugarcane per hectare due
to the adoption of better agricultural practices such as the use of
fertiliser and high yielding varieties together with the increase in
extent cultivated.
In addition, the adequate rainfall during the year and the increase
in the average producer price of sugarcane to over Rs.4,000 per metric
tons have also encouraged cultivators to return to sugarcane cultivation
from other crops.
Sugar production at the three factories will continue to improve in
the ensuing period supported by the Government's commitment to increase
domestic sugar production through various strategies which include
increased new planting, proper irrigation systems, provision of
agriculture finance and insurance schemes, the report said.
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