The annual production of coconuts must be increased to support domestic consumption and exports, said President of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), Jayantha Samarakoon.
He was speaking at the launch of Coconut Industries Chamber at National Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka on Thursday.
As the first organisation of its kind in Sri Lanka, the CCCI aims to harness the vast potential of the coconut industry. The industry contributes significantly to the economy, with annual export revenues exceeding USD 800 million. By fostering collaboration across all industry sectors, the CCCI aspires to elevate Sri Lankan coconut products’ quality and global competitiveness.
The CCCI will focus on enhancing the industry’s competitiveness through strategic planning, market expansion and research driven innovation. By promoting sustainable practices and supporting product diversification, the chamber aims to position Sri Lanka as a global leader in coconut production.
Samarakoon said, “We need to increase annual production from three billion to four and half billion coconuts within the next five years to support the domestic consumption and export industry. Today we have about 1.1 million acres of coconut land producing about three billion coconuts annually.
“Our production is about 2,750 coconuts per acre per year which doesn’t compare well with our neighbour India producing over 6,000 coconuts per acre per year. The Coconut Chamber was set up after much discussion among the stakeholders making aware of the collective benefit in working together as a team. We must ensure that we achieve our goal collectively,” he said.
The president also said that since the cost is escalating in the traditional value chain that the exporters of coconut and related products could improve productivity and the competitiveness both locally and internationally. He stressed the importance of using IT tools such as GIS to improve productivity and manage supply chains while retaining the traditional practices that work best with the village communities.
He said that the activated carbon industry could attract more revenue for value creation.
“The challenge we need to address is to improve the productivity of the existing coconut palms. Replant unproductive coconut and plant new areas that are suitable,” Samarakoon said. Senior Partner at Ernst & Young and the first General Secretary of the CCCI, Ranil De Saram said, “The setting up of the CCCI represents a new era for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. Our mission is to unify the industry, drive innovation, and advocate for policies that support sustainable growth. This Chamber will serve as the collective voice of the coconut industry, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in our pursuit of excellence.”
The formation of the CCCI has been facilitated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) within the scope of the European Union funded BESPA-FOOD project and Ernst & Young. This collaboration is poised to propel Sri Lanka’s coconut sector to new global heights of prosperity.
The CCCI has brought together eight Associations under one umbrella including the Coconut Growers Association of Sri Lanka, the Exporters Association of Coconut Based Substrates, Sri Lanka Virgin Coconut Oil Manufacturers’ Association, Coconut Product Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association, Ceylon Desiccated Coconut Manufacturers’ Association, Ceylon Coir Fibre Manufacturers’ Association, Coconut Milk Manufacturers’ Association and the All Ceylon Coconut Oil Manufacturers’ Association.
These Associations are focused on advocating coherent policies and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coconut farming in Sri Lanka.
The new Chamber is also backed by key partners in the state sector, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries, the Coconut Development Authority, Coconut Cultivation Board and the Coconut Research Institute. Their involvement underscores a collaborative effort to elevate Sri Lanka’s coconut industry to new heights.
Program Manager for the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Chandana Hewawasam, UNIDO Project Associate, April Chang and the representatives from the coconut and related industries associations were also present.
