Sri Lanka to develop over 5,000 hectares for export-oriented fruit cultivation

Newswire reports that the government has launched a commercial agriculture project to develop 5,039 hectares of underused upland land for fruit cultivation aimed at international markets. The initiative is part of the second phase of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme.

Newswire reports that the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation identified mangoes, guavas, bananas, papayas and passion fruit as planned crops, alongside rehabilitation of minor tank systems. The ministry said the project also aims to improve crop quality and productivity.

Newswire reports that farmers will be encouraged to grow chillies, groundnuts, watermelons, green gram and sesame as intercrops, providing income during the early years before fruit trees become fully productive. Planned water provision includes solar-powered, demand-based pressurised pipe systems.

Newswire reports that the Commercial Agriculture Development programme will rely on existing water sources in selected tank systems until the North Central Province Main Canal Project is completed. The programme is also expected to modernise approximately 2,000 hectares of existing commercial agricultural land.

Newswire reports that project discussions took place in Anuradhapura on Wednesday, the 11th, at the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management and C Bank premises, with Minister K.D. Lal Kantha and other stakeholders participating.