Coconut production hit by 40% drop-by Sunimalee Dias

Sri Lanka’s coconut production has seen a drop of 40 per cent and this is notably felt at the Coconut Auction in Colombo where numbers have dwindled significantly primarily attributed to the effect of the ban on fertiliser application, white fly disease and increased exports.

This significant drop in coconuts is due to the ban on fertiliser application several years back and the effect of this is being felt only now, an official at the Coconut Development Board told The Sunday Times Business.

It was pointed out that at the moment they have noticed about a 40 per cent drop in production in most estates compared to last year and that they have received only about 400,000 nuts this week at the auction.

Coconut production that had previously been at around 600,000 – 800,000 nuts made available at the auction has now slipped to around 400,000 nuts.

Moreover, it was pointed out that the Chilaw Plantations which did not join in the auction since the past two to three years is being drawn back to the main auction in Colombo.

Another reason for the drop in production is also attributed to the general low production levels observed during the months of November and December which usually tends to pick up around March and April, the official noted.

He also explained that the attack of the white fly disease and the use of pesticides on these plants had also led to the low productivity levels in the crop.

Moreover, with the global production of coconuts decreasing there has been a tendency for prices to surge in the world market as well, the official said.

As a result Sri Lankan exporters are purchasing increased stocks of coconuts for exports during the last few months, the official said.

In Sri Lanka one third of total coconut production is allocated for the industries that manufacture value added products for the export market; and two thirds are picked up by the local consumer for daily consumption.

However, these levels have changed in the face of the recent drop in production with over one third of total production being picked up by the exporters and less than two thirds made available for the
Sri Lankan consumer.

This has left the Sri Lankan consumer fighting hard to purchase a coconut due to low stocks available and prices have now increased by nearly Rs.60.

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