Export earnings from coconut based products rise

Export earnings from coconut based products have increased to Rs. 28,092 million last year compared to Rs. 24,097 million in 2007, Coconut Development Authority Chairman Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe said.

The decline in the price of coconut products in the world market together with the shortage of raw material locally early last year resulted in a loss to those engaged in the coconut industry.

"However this trend changed to a positive level by mid year loan facilities and incentives granted to growers together with provision innumerable assistance, seminars and workshops conducted among them have also contributed to the increase in their income level," Weerasinghe said.