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Coconut crop down, copra to be imported
View(s):Sri Lanka, one of the largest growers of coconuts in Asia, has experienced a slump in production due to poor yields and fragmentation of estates. As a result, the Government has allowed buscuit and food item manufacturers to import copra.
Initially the import of 30,000 tons of quarantined copra will be allowed until February next year. Importers will be required to pay taxes such as cess, VAT, Port and Airport Levy. The Department of Agriculture and the Coconut Development Authority have been tasked with the responsibility of determining the period when imports should be made and the quantities that should be allowed.
They have also been told to ensure, together with the Janatha Estates Development Board, that the copra imports do not affect the local industry.