Coconut prices soar despite higher production: Coconut Cultivation Board

By Indika Sri Aravinda

Colombo, January 1 (Daily Mirror) - Despite a significant increase in coconut production last year, coconut prices in the local market have risen to unusually high levels, surprising even the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB).

CCB Chairman Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said coconuts were sold at prices ranging between Rs. 122 and Rs. 124 at the coconut auction held last week. However, he noted with concern that the same coconuts are now being sold in the open market at prices between Rs. 180 and Rs. 200.

He attributed the sharp price increase to middlemen who purchase coconuts at auctions and resell them at inflated prices, placing an unfair burden on consumers.

In response, Dr. Jayakody said the Coconut Cultivation Board is preparing to intervene directly in the market by selling coconuts at the district level from this year. Under the plan, coconuts from 11 board-managed coconut estates will be supplied directly to consumers at the district level.

He recalled that the Board had previously implemented a mobile coconut marketing programme in areas such as Kalutara, Colombo, Battaramulla and Maharagama to stabilise prices and ensure fair access for consumers.

According to the CCB, coconut production reached around 2,900 million nuts last year, while the harvest for this year is expected to increase further to about 3,000 million coconuts.

Dr. Jayakody also said steps are being taken to protect at least 10% of the coconut harvest from losses caused by insect pests and other animals, adding that necessary plans have already been put in place to safeguard production.