Lanka to export maize for the first time
Ishara MUDUGAMUWA
Maize is to be exported for the first time in Sri Lanka. The
government has taken measures to export maize within the next two weeks,
said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane. “Sri Lanka is
already self-sufficient in maize. The surplus will be exported to
Canada, Taiwan, etc. The annual local requirement of maize is 180,000
MTs. Presently, 200,000 MTs is produced in the country. About 10,000MTs
from the surplus will be exported,” he said.
The minister said maize is the third largest planted crop in the
world.
“The USA, China and Brazil contribute 64 percent of the world’s maize
demand. Maize will be collected for export from Anuradhapura,
Nochchiyagama, Galenbidunuwewa and Horawapathana areas. Maize
consumption has increased tremendously during the past two to three
years.
Popcorn and corn buds are very popular among Sri Lankans. Maize based
products such as corn flakes, corn oil and corn starch are popular in
urban areas and most products are imported to Sri Lanka,” Abeywardane
said.
Maize is rich in vitamin A,B,E and minerals such as phosphorus,
manganese, iron, zinc and copper.
High fibre content in them help solve digestive problems.
Maize is also a rich source of calories and forms part of the staple
diet of many around the world. Corn’s calorific content is 342 calories
per 100 grams, which is among the highest in cereals. Maize is also rich
in antioxidants which help prevent cancers. |