The Palmyrah Development Board (PDB) has earned an income of Rs. 78 million through the export of palm-related products during the period from January to October 2023 in a background where 60% of the 11 million palm trees in the country have been left unused, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.

Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera recently visited the PDB regional office in Mattala, and engaged in a discussion with the relevant officials on palm-related productions.

During the discussion, the officials pointed out to the Minister that 60% of the 11 million palm trees in the country have been left unused at present, and that the same may result in the country losing a significant income. Therefore, they proposed that a programme be implemented popularising production of palm-related items, and raise public awareness on their economic benefits.

PDB's Chairman Dr. Krishantha Pathiraja informed the Minister that 30% of palm trees in the Northern Province have been destroyed due to the civil war, but a similar number of palm trees have been replanted by now. In addition, he said that 200,000 palm trees have been planted in several parts of the country during the past four years alone. 

He further said that the country has earned Rs. 78 million by exporting palm-related products such as jaggery, treacle, and palm-based beverages from January to October in 2023. He added that there is a high demand for palm-related products in the foreign markets, particularly the Canadian markets, especially for palm-based beverages.

Minister Amaraweera, who is also the Minister of Plantation Industries, instructed the relevant officials to provide more training for those engaged in palm-related industry, and widen the market for such products both locally and internationally.