South Asia’s Organic Orchard – In conversation with Saaraketha Organics co-founder Charitha Abeyratne Hettiarachchi-By Shiran Illanperuma Source:Biznomicsmagazine When Saaraketha Organics began business, exports accounted for the majority of the company’s sales. However, consumer tastes have shifted in recent years and the company now caters to both local and foreign markets (namely the Middle East and European Union). Like most local firms in the production economy, the last few years have been tumultuous for Saaraketha, with many highs and lows, bringing with them new challenges and opportunities. The COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a foreign exchange and currency crisis would be a lot for an entrenched corporation to bear, let alone a young SME. A firm believer in domestic value addition and sustainability, Saaraketha co-founder Charitha Abeyratne Hettiarachchi spoke to Biznomics about contemporary challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector. The following are excerpts: A structural problem of the Sri Lankan ...