Cabinet nod to import coconut-related products equivalent to 200 m nuts

Friday, 7 February 2025 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Cabinet of Ministers on Monday approved importing the equivalent of 200 million coconuts to mitigate the effects of a domestic production shortfall.

The move follows consultations with the Department of Agriculture and the Coconut Development Authority.

The imports will include chilled coconut kernel, dried coconut pieces, non-copra coconut, coconut milk, coconut milk powder and desiccated coconut to ensure local industries have the raw materials they need while stabilising the market prices.

Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the annual national demand for coconut stands at around 3 billion, but last year’s total production fell to 2.65 billion nuts due to adverse weather, pests and fertiliser shortages.

“Of this 1.4 billion coconuts are used for industrial purposes and 1.6 billion are consumed domestically,” he added.

He said the Ministry of Plantation Industries has been instructed to oversee the import while ensuring compliance with legal provisions.