Sri Lanka's king coconut export on the decrease

Sri Lanka's Coconut Development Authority has reported a significant setback in the export of King coconuts (Thambili), citing a 36% decline attributed to damages caused by white flies infesting coconut cultivations across the country.

According to officials, the pervasive spread of white flies has particularly devastated King coconut plantations, which are more susceptible due to the insects' attraction to yellow and orange hues prevalent in King coconuts.

"The impact on King coconut plantations has been severe compared to regular coconut cultivation," noted a spokesperson from the Coconut Development Authority. The spread of white flies was exacerbated by past drought conditions, creating favorable environments for their proliferation.

In a recent meeting with Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, the Authority disclosed that proactive measures implemented in 2023, costing Rs. 80 million, had mitigated extensive damage but could not prevent the decline in exports.

Currently, Sri Lanka exports approximately 200 containers containing 15 million King coconuts annually, fetching an income of US$ 0.80 or Rs. 250 per King coconut. The Authority highlighted that the reduced exports due to the white fly infestation have had economic repercussions, impacting both local producers and the national economy.

Efforts are underway to further strengthen preventive measures and support affected farmers in combating the white fly menace to safeguard future harvests and export levels of King coconuts from Sri Lanka.