In 2023, Sri Lanka observed an uptick in fruit consumption, reaching 12.8 million tons, against a national requirement of 19.6 million tons. This increase was largely attributed to higher outputs in bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and papayas. Concurrently, the country's fruit exports also saw a rise, with a total of 38,201 metric tons shipped abroad.
Addressing this scenario, Dr. Kamani Ranatunga, the Acting Director General of the Department of Agriculture, unveiled a strategic blueprint aimed at amplifying the agricultural sector's productivity by 2027. This plan sets forth ambitious production goals per hectare for key fruits: bananas (19.5 tons), mangoes (9.5 tons), papayas (45 tons), pineapples (14 tons), and passion fruits (30 tons). To realize these objectives, the strategy advocates for the adoption of advanced agricultural practices, including both traditional and hybrid variety breeding, high-density planting, comprehensive pest management, and the enhancement of crop nutrition and resilience, alongside the development of value-added fruit processing technologies.
Endorsing this initiative, Minister of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, Mr. Mahinda Amaraweera, has emphasized the importance of maximizing the cultivation of all viable crops within the nation, with a special focus on substituting imports with locally grown fruits.
Source: hirunews.lk