EDB promotes fruit, vegetable cultivation

Indunil Hewage

With a view to increase the export revenue from fruits and vegetables, the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka and the Export Development Board (EDB) has taken measures to take the industry to a higher level.

Speaking to Daily News Business, the National Chamber of Exporters Association of Sri Lanka President Sarath de Silva said, "The adaptation of model corporative farming would ensure the land ownership of farmers while gathering contiguous plots of 1000 acres or beyond lands for selected export crops cultivation. It is also costly to conduct chemical residue testing in the country and needs to have more laboratories for this purpose."

In addition, the Export Development Board has taken some measures to increase the export revenue from vegetables and fruits.

Export Development Board Chairman Janaka Ratnayake said, "According to EDB strategic plan for 2011-2015, measures have been taken to encourage commercial cultivation in diverse agro ecological zones to meet required quantities for the international market while introducing a proper transport system to minimize post harvest losses and improve product quality."

In addition, steps will also be taken to introduce a centralized farming system with modern technology with the assistance of public and private partnerships, encourage and promote value added products, facilitate to introduce an appropriate crop insurance scheme, facilitate to obtain international standards and quality certifications while assisting to operate the perishable cargo terminal to minimize handling cost and time and maintain quality of products.