A Special Meeting between the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha and Officials of the Department of Cinnamon Development
A special discussion between the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, Mr. K.D. Lal Kantha, and officials of the Department of Cinnamon Development was held yesterday (10th) at the Ministry of Agriculture. During this meeting, the Department of Cinnamon Development presented the roadmap containing their future programs.
Currently, there is a massive global demand for Sri Lankan cinnamon. Sri Lanka produces 80% of the world’s true cinnamon. At present, Sri Lanka earns 260 million USD annually through cinnamon production, and the Department of Cinnamon Development aims to increase this target to 300 million USD in the future.
According to the data presented by the Department of Cinnamon Development, a yield of 250 kilograms can be obtained from an acre of cinnamon cultivation, and there is a potential to increase it up to 400 kilograms.
Several issues affecting the cinnamon industry were highlighted during this discussion. Among these are the competition from cassia, reliance on low-price markets, a market monopoly held by a few exporters, limited research and development, and weak branding.
During the meeting, officials of the Department of Cinnamon Development pointed out that measures such as market expansion, market penetration, promoting value-added Sri Lankan cinnamon products, and increasing the income of local growers should be taken to expand cinnamon cultivation.
During the meeting, the Minister was made aware of the National Cinnamon Industry and Cultural Promotion Center, which is currently under construction. Additionally, the possibility of cultivating cinnamon as an intercrop was also explored.
