Cuban assistance to uplift coconut industry

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Cuban government has agreed to provide technical assistance for the development of the coconut industry, said Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

Cuban ambassador to Sri Lanka Nirsia Castro and Minister Jagath Pushpakumara at the discussion

This was agreed at a discussion between Cuban ambassador to Sri Lanka Nirsia Castro and Minister Jagath Pushpakumara recently.

The two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral relations and the Cuban government agreed to provide technical assistance to uplift coconut cultivation and coconut related industries.

"The annual requirement of coconuts in 2016 will be 3,650 million nuts which was 2,317 million nuts in 2010. Local consumption of fresh nuts in 2010 was 1,442 and it will be increased to 2,213 million in 2016," he said.

The minister said about 773 million coconuts will be needed for the local coconut oil industry and 164 million coconuts for the production of other coconut related exports.

"It is necessary to enhance the coconut cultivation and its productivity to meet future demand in the coconut industry," the minister said.

The ministry has taken measures to introduce modern technology for coconut cultivators and coconut related product manufactures to enhance their efficiency. Cuban assistance will be a great privilege in this regard, said the minister.

Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry Secretary Anura Siriwardane and Coconut Research Institute chairman H. P. M. Gunasena also participated.