Osu Govi to export herbal products

SHIRAJIV SIRIMANE

A limited liability company has been formed to export Sri Lankan herbal products to the international market. The company will also supply herbal products to local pharmaceutical companies in a more organised manner.

Chairman of the newly formed Osu Govi herbal products company Nalin Attanayake said its first board meeting was held recently. The Treasury holds 51 per cent of the company while farmers and employees account to the remaining shares.

He said the Osu Govi Company was floated with a capital of Rs. 40 million.

They are now looking at introducing new technology to the farmers. Sri Lanka imports herbs worth over Rs. 200 million from India.

“Research has shown that most of these herbs were used for manufacturing in Sri Lanka. Pharmaceutical items imported from India can be grown in Sri Lanka,” he said.

When the system is in place Sri Lanka can save over Rs. 50 million in the first year. The company has also been successful in acquiring around 270 acres to grow herbs.

Osu Govi Company Ltd, would also look at the export market. “We would be first introducing Garlic Bee’s honey to the international market and export traditional herbal rice later,” Attanayake said.

The new company has secured export orders from Australia and United Kingdom for these products.

Public awareness campaigns will be introduced to convince farmers that growing herbs is a profitable business.