Sri Lanka should explore the production of bran oil from paddy seeds and husks, similar to practices in India, according to Dr. B. V. Mehta, a veteran in the Indian vegetable oil industry. Speaking at a workshop on vegetable oils hosted by the Nucleus Foundation at Cosmic by Citrus, Lotus Tower, Colombo, Dr. Mehta criticized Sri Lanka for not utilizing this resource effectively.
Dr. Mehta, who has extensive experience in the Indian oil-seed sector, highlighted that India efficiently converts paddy husks into bran oil and suggested that Sri Lanka could benefit greatly from adopting this technology. He also pointed out that Sri Lanka’s coconut productivity is hampered by the prevalence of tall coconut trees. He recommended the adoption of hybrid coconut varieties, which are shorter and more productive, to enhance local coconut yields.
Additionally, Dr. Mehta advocated for the lifting of the ban on oil palm plantations in Sri Lanka. He noted that India is investing around USD 1.37 billion to promote palm oil production and aims to plant palm oil on 1 million hectares by the end of next year to cut its USD 2 billion annual import bill. Emeritus Prof. Asoka Nugawela from Wayamba University added that palm oil is crucial for food processing and supermarket products, and lifting the ban could be economically beneficial for Sri Lanka without leading to deforestation.
The workshop, organized in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, the Malaysian High Commission, the Indonesian Embassy, and supported by Solidaridad, aimed to discuss the benefits of vegetable oils for food security and economic growth.