The Ministry of Agriculture has planned to implement a programme to encourage exporters of agricultural products in Sri Lanka in 2023.
Accordingly, subject Minister Mahinda Amaraweera held a round of discussions with a group of entrepreneurs who export agricultural products in Sri Lanka yesterday (29).
The Ministry stated that many countries are engaged in the export of agricultural products and generate a large sum of foreign exchange, while exports of agricultural products in the country remain at a minimal.
Minister Amaraweera highlighted the main reason to products failing to meet standards of the international market.
Therefore, the Minister said the government has decided to provide maximum facilities for the production of agricultural products aimed at exports.
Accordingly, the 2023 Budget has allocated funds for the promotion of the export agriculture sector.
The Ministry statement noted that a significant demand persists in the international market for grains such as sesame, green beans, soy beans, vegetables and fruits that are locally produced.
Minister Amaraweera said Sri Lanka however, has still failed to meet the supply that suits the demand.
The discussion also focused on banana exports to the foreign market.
The Minister also stated that due to the failure of the 2021 yields, the government spent USD 400 million for the import of rice in 2022, and vowed that he will never import a grain of rice in 2023.
