A 36% drop in King coconut (Thambili) exports has been reported due to the damages caused by white flies to King coconut cultivations in Sri Lanka, the Coconut Development Authority reported.

According to the Authority, the damage caused by white flies that have spread around the coconut plantation has also had a severe impact on the King coconut plantation.

It is observed that the King coconut planation has suffered more damage compared to the coconut cultivation, as white flies are largely attracted to yellow/ orange colour.

The Coconut Development Authority pointed out that the drought conditions experienced in the past had led to the spread of white flies. 

The Authority disclosed the facts during a recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera.

It was further revealed that large-scale damage had been prevented due to the preventive measures taken in 2023 at a cost of Rs. 80 million. 

Stating that 200 containers consisting of 15 million King coconuts are exported per year, the Authority said an income of US$ 0.80 or Rs. 250 per King coconut is being received at present. (Newswire)

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The project to export Sri Lankan king coconuts (Thambili) for Rs. 2000 per fruit has been initiated, Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera announced.

The minister made the announcement while participating in the event held to inaugurate the second king coconut cultivation village near Raluwa village in Murutawela.

The move comes following the establishment of the first king coconut cultivation village in lower Murutawela last year. 

It is expected to plant nearly 10,000 king coconut plants covering both the cultivation villages. 

Minister Amaraweera revealed that having exported nearly 252,000 king coconuts to the UAE weekly, the industry generated an income of Rs. 2 billion in 2022.

He further said that king coconuts are sold for between Rs. 1500 and Rs. 2000 in Gulf countries, including the UAE.

Stating that there was no competition from any country in the world for Sri Lankan king coconuts, the minister said that now the competition was between Sri Lankan businessmen. (NewsWire)

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