Coconut industry unites to reach $ 2 b export target under EU-backed 10-year strategic plan

Friday, 7 February 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The European Union (EU), through the UNIDO-implemented BESPA-FOOD project, is supporting Sri Lanka’s coconut industry in implementing a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan and a roadmap aimed at transforming the sector into a $ 2 billion export powerhouse.

The Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure recently convened key public and private sector stakeholders, including the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), Coconut Research Institute (CRI), the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), and the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), for an inception workshop to chart the way forward.

To ensure rapid progress, a select committee comprising key public and private sector representatives, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry, will meet in mid-February to review the workshop’s input and formulate the next steps, including the development of the roadmap.

Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi said: “Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is at a crucial juncture. While we face immediate challenges in production and supply, this roadmap provides a structured approach to ensure our sector’s global competitiveness and sustainability.”

The EU-funded BESPA-FOOD Project is providing vital technical expertise and support to tackle challenges such as productivity constraints, value addition, and quality enhancements.

Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka Head of Cooperation Dr. Johann Hesse emphasised the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development through innovation and partnerships like BESPA-FOOD. He stated that “clear, actionable steps are essential for boosting productivity, improving quality, and empowering rural communities.”

The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), tasked with formulating the roadmap, will incorporate input from the industry stakeholders to address current market pressures while building long-term resilience. The plan will specifically focus on strengthening domestic production, improving supply chain efficiency and value addition, and enhancing the industry’s ability to meet growing international demand.

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