CIC Agri Businesses export bananas

CIC Agri Businesses exported its first consignment of banana to the Middle East recently. The company has tied-up with Dole Food Company, the world's largest producer of pineapple and banana and is growing a range of tropical fruits for the export market.

Over 80 acres of banana have been cultivated in the CIC seed farms at Hingurakgoda and Dambulla. The company expects to export over 650 mt. of banana before end of the year. Currently the company exports 20-25 mt. a week.

The variety of banana exported is Cavendish which is popular in the world. The taste of Cavendish is similar to the popular local variety, Anamalu. Cultivation practices for Cavendish are different from other local varieties. Post harvest practices such as cutting, cleaning, grading and packing are carried out under hygienic conditions of the buyer Dole Food Products.