MoU with WAC, Kenya to develop coconut industry

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka (CRI) signed an MoU recently with the World Agro-forestry Centre in Nairobi, Kenya to forge closer ties between the two institutions in the field of research.

The CRI is the first research institute established in the world as far back as 1929 to undertake research in coconut production.

The World Agro-forestry Centre is an international research centre under the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) of the Food and Agriculture Organization mandated to develop agro-forestry in tropical countries in the world.

This MoU will establish a new framework to strengthen ties between these two institutions in the field of agro-forestry research and development in coconut lands to increase productivity and profitability.

The research will concentrate on growing high value fruit crops such as pineapple, mango, rambutan and spices and beverages such as coffee, cocoa and cinnamon, and rearing of livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep and poultry.

Under this MoU there are provisions for the exchange of scientific and technical know how exchange of agro-forestry professionals, enhancement of coorporation with other coconut growing countries in the region, and other national and international research and development organizations.

This MoU signing ceremony was held at Galle Face Hotel recently, under the patronage of Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara and Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena. Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardena and the World Agro-forestry Centre Director General Dr. Tony Simons signed the agreement on behalf of the two institutions.

CRI Chairman Prof. H.P.M. Gunasena, Director Dr. Jayantha Gunathilaka, World Agro-forestry Centre South Asia Regional Director Dr. W.P. Singh and a large number of distinguished guests also participated.