Betel exports increase

Irangika Range

EXPORTS: Betel export has shown significant improvement with the setting up of the Janatha Alapaladeniya Agrarian Business Company in Kurunegala which has been able to earn Rs.18.5 million by exporting nearly 110 metric tonnes of betel to Pakistan from March this year.

The Government is very keen on promoting betel cultivation and export expansion. Ministry of Agricultural Development has set up the Appaladeniya Betel Export Centre investing Rs. 22 million to enable the farmers to handle modern day marketing activity.

Centre comprising betel purchasing, betel processing, betel packaging, quality checking, retail outlets would drive more betel to the export market. It is not only betel exports but tambourine, turmeric pressed coconut and cinnamon will also be processed for the export market through this centre later.

Ministry with the assistance of the Export Agriculture Department is involved in export expansion activities. The Ministry has provided a 50 percent fertilizer subsidy for the benefit of betel farmers.

The Narammala Betel and other Inter-Crop Research Station holds training programs while extension officers conduct betel demonstrations islandwide.

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa said that the "Bulath Arunella", a national program to promote betel cultivation in the country has overcome many hardships of betel farmers who undergo many hindrances.