The Department of Agriculture has unveiled an ambitious plan to significantly boost the production of key fruits, including bananas, mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and passion fruits, by 2027.
This initiative aims to enhance the country's agricultural output and meet increasing domestic and international demand.
According to the department's projections, banana production is set to rise to 19.5 metric tons per hectare, mango production to 9.5 metric tons, papaya production to 45 metric tons, pineapple production to 14 metric tons, and passion fruit production to 30 metric tons by 2027.
Dr. Kamani Ranatunga, the Acting Director of the Department of Agriculture, detailed the technical measures planned to achieve these targets.
These include variety breeding, hybrid variety breeding, high-density cultivation, integrated pest control, the introduction of plant nutrients, reduction of crop damage, and the implementation of value-added production technology.
Dr. Ranatunga presented the comprehensive agricultural growth plan to Minister Mahinda Amaraweera today. She noted that fruit consumption in Sri Lanka has increased to 12.8 million metric tons (1,283,039 metric tons) in 2023.
However, the annual requirement stands at 19.6 million metric tons (1,969,371 metric tons), highlighting the need for increased production.
"The production of bananas, mangoes, pineapples, and papayas saw a notable increase in 2023, and the export of fruits also rose, with 38,201 metric tons of fruits exported," Dr. Ranatunga stated. This strategic plan is expected to further boost the agriculture sector, enhancing both domestic supply and export potential, and contributing to the overall economic growth of Sri Lanka.
