A 36% drop in King coconut (Thambili) exports has been reported due to the damages caused by white flies to King coconut cultivations in Sri Lanka, the Coconut Development Authority reported.
According to the Authority, the damage caused by white flies that have spread around the coconut plantation has also had a severe impact on the King coconut plantation.
It is observed that the King coconut planation has suffered more damage compared to the coconut cultivation, as white flies are largely attracted to yellow/ orange colour.
The Coconut Development Authority pointed out that the drought conditions experienced in the past had led to the spread of white flies.
The Authority disclosed the facts during a recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture Mahinda Amaraweera.
It was further revealed that large-scale damage had been prevented due to the preventive measures taken in 2023 at a cost of Rs. 80 million.
Stating that 200 containers consisting of 15 million King coconuts are exported per year, the Authority said an income of US$ 0.80 or Rs. 250 per King coconut is being received at present. (Newswire)