CDA introduces pollution free chimney system

Indunil HEWAGE

The Coconut Development Authority (CDA) is planning to introduce a pollution free chimney system to manufacture coconut based activated carbon in Sri Lanka with an investment over Rs 2.5 million .

The activated carbon industry is a lucrative foreign exchange earner in Sri Lanka and the CDA is making efforts to introduce pollution free and nontraditional chimney systems to make the entire coconut shell burning process more convenient with less time and efforts. The chimney system will come in different capacity levels and prices.

'Our effort is to popularize this system especially outside the areas of coconut triangle where there are about 70 percent of exportable coconut resources especially coconut shells . The chimney system will be introduced as opposed to traditional charcoal pit method which has high detrimental effects to the environment,' a Coconut Development Authority official told Daily News Business.

Sri Lanka currently has 53 commercially active coconut shell collectors outside the coconut triangle. CDA will implement it in several identified areas in the island shortly. 'We hope to enter into an strategic partnership with People's bank to introduce new loan scheme for individuals who intend to purchase this system,' a official said.

In 2011, total coconut exports, including desiccate coconut, fibre industry products, activated carbon and coconut related finished products and others recorded a revenue of Rs 47 billion, of which export revenue from desiccated coconut, fibre products and activated coconut respectively posted Rs 14 billion, Rs 5.4 billion and 7.6 billion. The projected total coconut exports revenue by the end of 2012 will be Rs 50 billion.

Sri Lanka's total coconut production during 2011 has recorded a figure of 2,800 million nuts and this figure is projected to increase to 2,900 million coconuts by the end of 2012.