Sri Lanka aims to cultivate 40,000 acres of coconut in the Northern region to expand production and support smallholders with free fertilizer, according to Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, Samantha Viddyarathna.
Coconut prices have surged due to supply shortages and import restrictions. The minister stated in parliament that the government has requested Rs. 1,437 million from the budget to support the initiative, which is expected to yield long-term benefits.
Some traditional coconut-growing areas are facing land use challenges due to rapid development. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s state coconut plantations, spanning 39,883 acres, have lacked fertilizer for the past five years, contributing to declining yields alongside adverse weather conditions.
To address the fertilizer shortage, Sri Lanka has received 55,000 metric tonnes from Russia, of which 27,500 metric tonnes are allocated to smallholders. Owners with less than 5 acres will receive free fertilizer to boost production.
The country’s coconut-based export industries, including powdered milk, shell charcoal, and coir, have faced rising costs and supply shortages due to production declines and restrictions on raw coconut imports.