Coconut industry targets Rs 100b by 2015
 The
coconut industry is turning out to be one of the main modes of income
for the country and US$ 1 billion is targeted from coconut product
exports by 2020.
The Rs. 100 billion target can be achieved by next year, Coconut
Development Authority Chairman Aruna Gunawardane told the Sunday
Observer.
Sri Lanka also plans to capture markets in Europe, Russia, the USA,
Australia, the Chairman said.
“Minister Jagath Pushpakumara launched a program in 2011 to plant 32
million coconut trees. Already 19 million plants have been cultivated.
We hope to reap the benefits of the program between 2016-2018 and
coconut production will increase from 600 to 700 million nuts,”
Gunawardane said.“Before a separate Ministry was set up, Rs. 20 billion
was earned from the coconut industry. Following the setting up of a
separate Ministry it increased to Rs. 30 billion in 2011.
By the end of last year the income from the coconut industry
increased to Rs. 47 billion.
This year is a prosperous year for the coconut industry, Rs. 54
billion was earned by September.
"We hope to increase the income to Rs. 72 billion by the end of this
year. The income from coconut products has increased by a considerable
level compared to 2013 due to the successful implementation of various
programs within the industry,” he said.
Annually 2,800 million coconuts are harvested across the country
including the coconut triangle. Nearly 60 percent of the coconuts are
produced in the coconut triangle.
The Government has also introduced a mini coconut triangle covering
Matara, Hambantota and Galle districts.
Nearly 1,900 million coconuts are consumed by the people. The
remaining quantity is used to manufacture coconut oil. More than 80
percent of coconut flesh is used for domestic consumption. Nearly 600 to
700 million coconuts goes to the industry, the Chairman said.
“We use only 50 percent of the coconut shells in various production
processes. An equal amount goes waste every year. Income could be
doubled by making use of the wasted shells,” he said.
A good income was earned from coconut husk-based products last year
and only 50 percent of the coconut husk was used, the Chairman said.
- NJ
|
