Govt. targets $ 6.5 b from key export crops by 2030

Monday, 15 September 2025 04:22 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sets $ 2.5 b in export revenue from tea, $ 1.5 b from coconut, $ 2 b from rubber and $ 500 m from cinnamon
Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna reveals tea industry has five-year strategic plan in place to drive growth
Notes Govt. plans to introduce QR code system for fertiliser distribution
Asserts investment inflow is gradually increasing

Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna

Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratna last Friday announced that the Government has set an ambitious target of generating $ 6.5 billion in export earnings from four key agriculture crops—tea, coconut, rubber, and cinnamon by 2030.

Addressing the 35th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Tea Factory Owners’ Association, Vidyaratna outlined the Government’s long-term strategy to strengthen export agriculture despite recent economic and structural challenges.

“We have set $ 2.5 billion in export revenue from tea, $ 1.5 billion from coconut, $ 2 billion from rubber, and $ 500 million from cinnamon, bringing the total to $ 6.5 billion,” he said, noting that the tea industry already has a five-year strategic plan in place to drive growth.

He said the Government’s bid is to reposition agriculture as a driver of foreign exchange earnings at a time when the economy is still grappling with debt, and to encourage export diversification.

The Minister acknowledged that the sector has faced difficulties in recent years, particularly shortages of fertiliser, which disrupted production and export momentum. To address this, he said the Government plans to introduce a QR code system for fertiliser distribution. “We aim at improving efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for farmers,” he added.

Vidyaratna emphasised that with stronger enforcement of the rule of law and political stability, investor confidence in the sector is gradually improving.

“Investments are flowing into the sector and are gradually increasing, as stability encourages both local and foreign stakeholders to commit resources,” he added.

Industry representatives welcomed the revenue targets, but cautioned that achieving them will require not only better access to fertiliser and inputs but also consistent policy support, international marketing, and value addition to remain competitive in global markets.