Farmers in several districts in Sri Lanka have increased pineapple yields by 300 per cent and export-grade mango output by 90 per cent after adopting new cultivation practices introduced through Chinese technical guidance, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization.
Pineapple yields reached 55 tons per hectare through high-density planting systems, using 25,000 to 32,000 plants per acre, or 61,776 to 79,040 plants per hectare. Traditional spacing typically involved around 4,000 plants per acre. For mango, advanced pruning and fruit-bagging practices increased the share of export-grade fruit to 90 per cent.
The technical support was provided by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. The activities took place under a two-year project between Sri Lanka's Ministry of Agriculture, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China. The project, which ended this year, resulted in higher productivity and quality improvements for banana, mango, and pineapple across 10 model farms in Colombo, Kurunegala, and Anuradhapura districts.
A related project reported that tissue-cultured seedling production doubled while production costs fell by 30 to 40 per cent. A new Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory supplied disease-free, high-yielding planting material to farmers in three provinces.
Speaking on the outcomes, H E Qi Zhenhong, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Sri Lanka, said, "By sharing knowledge and technology, we are helping farmers achieve higher yields, better quality, and stronger livelihoods."
Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, added, "The success achieved in Sri Lanka is not only improving the lives of farmers today but is also shaping a stronger, more resilient fruit value chain for the future." He also noted, "FAO looks forward to building upon these successes in close partnership with the Government and private sector stakeholders, including the country's fruit farmers, to ensure sustainable growth and resilience in the sector."
Observers note that Sri Lankan farmers have often sought protection through import taxes, which have contributed to high domestic prices for basic staples such as rice, onions, and potatoes. Analysts argue that yield improvement and increased domestic productivity offer a more sustainable path for strengthening local supply chains and reducing pressure on consumer prices.
Source: EconomyNext
