Coconut industry, a boon to economy

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Coconut Development Authority Chairman Aruna Gunawardena said that Rs 48 billion has been earned from the coconut industry within the past eight months and Rs. 70 billion is expected by the end of this year.

There is a huge demand for coconut products in most of the countries.

People have so many benefits from coconut water, coconut shell, kernal and coconut husk.

Programs will be held to make the people aware of the benefits from the coconut, the Chairman said.

There is a big demand for Sri Lankan coconut products in China, Europe and the Western European countries. Within a short period Russian market can also be captured, he said. Coconut water is an energetic drink. There is a huge demand for coconut water in foreign countries.

Plans are afoot to introduce Information Technology in the coconut industry. Steps will be taken to encourage the coconut farmers Under a loan scheme, Gunawardena said.