Fresh boost for minor export crops
*Govt will always support private sector
*New technology to increase value added
Ishara MUDUGAMUWA
Government investment for minor export crops has increased up to six
percent. This was three percent in 2004. The government plans to
increase it up to eight percent within two years, said Economic
Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa participating as chief guest at the
inauguration of the Entrepreneurship Development Workshop 2011 in
Colombo yesterday.
The minister said that the government also plans to increase private
sector investments up to 26 percent within five years, which at present
is 21.6 percent. “Private sector support is essential for the
development of the export agriculture sector. The government is always
ready to support the private sector to increase investments,” Rajapaksa
said.
The quality of the product is very much essential than the amount
what we export. Foreign countries always add new to the quality of
products. The government has taken measures to introduce new technology
for people engaged in minor export crop production and manufacturing.
Machinery is also provided for them at a subsidized price to produce
value added products, said the minister.
Participating on the occasion, Technology and Research Minister
Pavithra Wanniarachchi said that economy and the living standards of all
people who engage in the minor export crop sector from cultivator to
manufacturer has increased due to the government's development
activities.
She said that Ceylon cinnamon is the best in the world. "There is a
huge demand for Ceylon cinnamon in the foreign market. But some
countries complain about the quality of the product as the sulphur
percentage is very high in Ceylon cinnamon. Cultivators still add a
large amount of sulphur for their cultivations. Most countries refuse to
buy our products due to this. The Technology and Research Ministry is
conducting research to find out new methods to reduce sulphur
percentage," she said.
The Technology and Research Institute is ready to do quality
assurance tests for any minor export crops, Wanniarachchi said. Minor
Export Crop Promotion Minister Reginald Coorey, Ministry secretary
Vajira Narampanawa and additional secretary R M C M Herath also
participated.
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