• Long-term measure to address shortage and to meet local demand 
• Deputy Minister says plans afoot to boost productivity in existing plantations and minimise toque macaques’ damage  

The Government has planned to cultivate 40,000 acres of new coconut plantations as part of a long-term solution to the ongoing difficulties in meeting the country’s coconut demand.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Deputy Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Security, R.M. Jayawardhana said that the shortage of coconuts is being addressed through both short-term and long-term measures. “One of the short-term solutions is the recent decision to import coconuts. But, our long-term plan is to solve this issue over the next four to five years."

He added that the long-term strategies include several programmes. “We are working to minimise damage caused by animals, especially in areas where coconut cultivation is affected by species like toque macaques. We also want to boost productivity in existing plantations. In addition, we have planned to cultivate around 40,000 acres of new coconut plantations,” the deputy minister pointed out.

Sri Lanka has been facing recurring coconut shortages in recent years, affecting both household consumption and coconut-based industries.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Lands and Irrigation stated recently that existing legal provisions relating to the sale of coconut lands would be more strictly enforced as the unchecked sale of coconut-growing lands has been one of the contributors to the coconut shortages. Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation Dr. Susil Ranasinghe said at that time that although there were no plans to introduce new laws, the current ones would be implemented more effectively.