Agri-research should be conducted at farm-level - Experts

Sri Lanka’s export earnings from non-traditional agricultural products could be doubled from the current Rs. 4,000 million in the next two years by enhancing scientific and organised production, National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) Secretary Sarath de Silva said.

He said that Sri Lanka has a market for its agricultural products but the poor quality and inconsistent quantity are major hurdles to boost exports and bring in the much-needed foreign exchange.

Quantity and quality can be enhanced through high yielding crop varieties that will increase the yield per acre. Sri Lanka's rice production per acre is low compared to many countries which produce around 500 bushels per acre.

Experts attribute the low production as a major reason for imports and higher prices of rice. The price of a kilogram of rice varies from Rs. 85 to Rs. 100 today.

Sri Lanka was known as the 'Granary of the East' during ancient times. However, today it imports a substantial amount to augment local demand.

Experts said that the government should go for quality milling to offer rice at a reasonable price to the local consumer.

“We need to increase production with high yielding seeds and plant material to be self sufficient and ensure food security. Production of high quality rice varieties such as basmathi should be increased to enhance export revenue,” de Silva said.

“The import of high-yield seed and plant material is vital to meet the demand and increase exports for which there has to be cooperation among universities, research institutions and the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.

De Silva said that import of high yielding plant material should be parallel to research and development in the country.

Exporters said that Sri Lanka’s production per acre and quality has to increase to boost exports.

The absence of quality has made Sri Lankan agricultural exports uncompetitive. Uniformity in size, shape and colour is essential for quality.

Sri Lanka competes with high quality and yield producing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.

“Sri Lanka has no high yielding and quality spice industry since spices are branded as minor crops. Spices are high foreign exchange earners,” exporters said.

Sri Lanka is known for producing some of the world's best spices since colonial times. Cinnamon and pepper account for around 40 percent and pepper 25 percent of the spice exports are leading export items followed by cloves and nutmeg.

Rajarata University Lecturer and Researcher Dr. Varanajith Perera said that agricultural research does not reach the farmer to boost production of quality agricultural products for a vibrant export market.

Leeks, garlic, cucumber, beans and eggplant are some of the main vegetable exports from Sri Lanka to the Maldives, Japan, South Korea, USA and Europe. Sri Lanka exports fruits to the Middle East, the Maldives and Germany. Research work is confined to bookshelves in libraries and research institutes.

It has to seep down to production level to increase yield. If not Sri Lanka will not achieve food security.

“There has to be a link among research institutes, the Government institutes and the farmer through extension services.

Strong private public partnerships are crucial to pass on expertise that would increase production and minimise waste,” Dr. Perera said.

He said Sri Lanka should focus on knowledge-based agriculture in cooperation with universities and research institutions.

There should be a link between local and foreign universities and research institutes to counter the ill-effects of climate change and increase food production.

“Large extends of land should be brought under the plough. Proper marketing strategies are needed to minimise waste and eliminate exploitation by middlemen.

Consumers have to pay more and farmers get less due to the absence of a direct market link,” Dr. Perera said.

Sarath Kumara, a farmer in Hinguraggoda said that farmers in the area are compelled to sell their produce to middlemen and as a result get a low price.

We need a stable market and a reasonable price for our produce,” he said. “Sri Lanka can reach US$10 billion in export revenue backed by agricultural exports.

"The volume of value-added exports should increase. Exports of spices should be increased with value addition. Ceylon Cinnamon should be a model to expand exports,” de Silva said. He said that formation of a food security ministry is a good move to develop the agricultural sector and ensure food security in the country.

“We have had several rounds of discussions with the Minister of Food Security who has identified the problems in the sector and is keen to develop agriculture through modern agri-farming methods and good agricultural practices which are essential to bring down imports and reach the US$20 billion export target by 2020.

- LF