Boost Fruit Production in Sri Lanka by 2027 with Proven Techniques

Increasing Fruit Production in Sri Lanka: Ambitious 2027 Targets

The Department of Agriculture is committed to boosting the production of key fruits, pledging to enhance the output of bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and passion fruit by 2027. The department aims to reach production levels of 19.5 metric tons per hectare for bananas, 9.5 metric tons for mangoes, 45 metric tons for papayas, 14 metric tons for pineapples, and 30 metric tons for passion fruit.

Dr. Kamani Ranatunga, the Acting Director, announced that several technical measures will be implemented. These include variety breeding, hybrid variety breeding, high-density cultivation, integrated pest control, the introduction of plant nutrients, reduction of crop damage, and the adoption of value-added production technology. She presented the comprehensive plan for agricultural sector growth in Sri Lanka to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera.

In 2023, fruit consumption in Sri Lanka rose to 12.8 million metric tons (1,283,039 metric tons). Dr. Ranatunga highlighted the country’s annual fruit requirement of 19.6 million metric tons (1,969,371 metric tons). Notably, there was an increase in the production and export of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, with 38,201 metric tons exported in 2023.

Minister Amaraweera emphasized the national responsibility to reduce foreign exchange spent on importing fruits that can be cultivated locally. This initiative aligns with the government’s objective to promote self-sufficiency and boost the agricultural economy.