The State Ministry of Development of Minor Crops Plantation and Export Promotion says the government is aiming to be self-sufficient in maize through a special programme.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information, Additional Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara said the government has a five-year plan to improve the minor crop industry.
She said they are hoping to double the export income through spices and the minor crop industry. Additional Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara said the industry only contributes 2 percent to the GDP while they are hoping to double it to 4 percent.
She said they are also focused on increasing the per capita income of individuals who are part of the industry to US$ 6,500, in line with the programme of the government to increase the per capita income of all Sri Lankans.
Additional Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara added only 10 percent of young entrepreneurs are engaged in the minor crops plantations and they want to increase it to 30 percent as well.
She also noted that through the five-year plan they have formulated, they want to reduce the import expenditure of sugar, cashew nuts and several other products by 60 percent.
