Coconut chamber urges govt. to import 200 Mn nuts to prevent crisis

22 January 2025 09:58 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), the umbrella organisation for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, yesterday urged the government to expedite the proposal to import 200 million nuts urgently to avert a looming dual crisis.

An unprecedented coconut shortage is threatening domestic consumers with sky-rocketing prices, about Rs. 200 per nut, and also exports.

Calling an urgent press conference in Colombo yesterday, CCCI President Jayantha Samarakoon revealed that the import authorisation process, which involves multiple ministries and government departments is moving at a rather slow pace which is not helping to stabilise the supply chain.

“The current coconut shortage poses a dual crisis for households and exporters. Without immediate action, Sri Lanka risks jeopardising the livelihoods of thousands while reducing local affordability,” he said.

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Comments - 10

Serious revamp of Agricultural sector needed Wednesday, 22 January 2025 10:12 AM

Can you imagine Sri Lanka importing coconuts? What the hell is going on?

4 15

Dilakshan Seneviratne Wednesday, 22 January 2025 12:08 PM

It’s not imagining but fact, as there is a shortage of about 300 million from crop output. Various reasons including inadequate fertiliser have been cited. Current government has taken short and long term steps to increase production but it will take time to see results. Demand for coconut based products is also increasing, which is good for the industry, however there has been very poor planning in the past.

1 8

Loyal Wednesday, 22 January 2025 12:13 PM

A thriving nation and a beautiful country -NPP Manifesto

5 1

LMAO Wednesday, 22 January 2025 04:01 PM

Yes, indeed!!

0 0

Jude Wednesday, 22 January 2025 10:38 AM

We knew it's gonna happen sooner or later when developers cut down acres of coconut land to build commercial buildings and housing. There was no Re-planting plans!!

3 14

N.M. Perera Wednesday, 22 January 2025 10:56 AM

No White Rice....... Red Rice....... Coconuts..... Salt for the New Year !! Nice

5 7

Terrence K Wednesday, 22 January 2025 11:18 AM

JVP/NPP the public expectations have been blasted by your incompetencies when the essential items are ignored by importation. Now the trend is to import every bloody thing under the sun which is a common phenomenon. All this is happening by all of you duping the voters and taking them for a jolly good ride. Added to this now you are turning and twisting by focussing on exhibiting the cars and even the ex.President's house to be retaken. Since you have the spoon in your hand all politicians have been allowed a vehicle. In your pre-election promises to entice the voters all of you said no vehicles will be used by the ruling politicians. All you nincompoops are creating history of shortages of rice, coconut, unable to clear the dealock of the containers at the port etc. For goodness sake the voters will kick your back sides at the next election shortly!!!!

0 2

Yohan Wednesday, 22 January 2025 11:31 AM

About 5 or 6 years ago, same shortage happened. Then government asked milk powder producers and exporters to import accordingly. So similar thing can be done here. Population has gone up gradually, new businesses have started with time, new fast food outlets, hotels have opened. So local requirements is gradually going up. So best thing is to import accordingly. Then probably allow low yield and non cultivating paddy fields to be used for coconut production and also same land can be used for growing fish or prawns where latter two can be exported as well.

2 3

Sri Lanka coconut products will be made with imported coconut Wednesday, 22 January 2025 12:44 PM

No point trying to continue with agricultural practices while Climate change is changing environment making previous cash crops become failure. Soon overseas markets will realise no more Sri Lanka origin coconut products and step in building new factory for making coconut products. Before that happens import and export out the manufactured product made from imports. No future for 100% pure Sri Lankan coconut products for export, while public craves coconut.

2 0

Kumar Wednesday, 22 January 2025 05:34 PM

Couple of years ago at an agricultural exhibition I asked from an officer of coconut development Board as to unrestrained cutting of coconut trees, He stated the laws were not active. We are now facing the shortage in not being pro active, At the rate we are cutting down trees we will soon have to import oxygen

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