Maldives requests 50,000 hybrid coconut plants from Sri Lanka

The Maldivian Agriculture Minister Dr. Hussain Rasheed Hasan has requested the Industries and Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana for 50,000 high-quality hybrid coconut plants produced by the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) to be planted in the Maldives.

The request was made when the two ministers met for a special discussion at the Plantation Industries Ministry premises recently. 

Dr. Pathirana said that the necessary facilities will be provided in consultation with the CRI and the Coconut Cultivation Board. He also said there is potential for the coconut and coconut-based industries to surpass the tea-related industry soon. Dr. Hassan said the coconut-based products are currently being imported from Indonesia to cater to the tourism industry which represents over 50% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).He also assured that the Maldives will provide support to provide training and employment opportunities for the promotion of the tourism and fishing industry in Sri Lanka.