Parliamentary Committee pushes for removal of barriers in toddy, kithul, palm, coconut products  

In an effort to boost agricultural exports, the Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Economic and Physical Plans has instructed relevant officials to eliminate obstacles in the local production and export of toddy, kithul, palm and coconut-related products.

This directive came during a recent meeting chaired by Committee Chairman and MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage.

Key Government institutions, including the Excise Department and the Customs Department, were summoned to discuss and address the issues hampering these industries. After thorough discussions, an agreement was reached to remove the existing barriers.

During the previous Committee meeting, the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry highlighted several issues affecting the local production, distribution and export of these products. They emphasised that resolving these issues could significantly increase Government revenue.

The initiative is expected to pave the way for enhanced production and export capabilities, leveraging rich agricultural heritage and meeting the growing international demand for these products.

A particular focus was placed on the wholesale distribution of toddy palm produced in the Northern Province, both locally and internationally. 

The Committee also instructed exporters to establish a systematic and efficient method for exporting toddy, kithul, palm and coconut-related products.

The Committee noted the substantial international market for these products and projected that the removal of these obstacles could lead to significant revenue generation for the country. Additionally, officials were tasked with submitting a comprehensive proposal to the Committee, detailing all recommendations related to the production and export of toddy, kithul, palm and coconut products.

Attendees at the Committee meeting included Members of Parliament Ashok Abeysinghe and Harshana Rajakaruna, alongside officials from the Agriculture and Plantation Industries Ministry, Sri Lanka Customs, the Excise Department, the Palm Development Board, the Kitul Development Board, the Coconut Development Board, the Coconut Cultivation Board, and the Coconut Research Institute.