Expert committee appointed by the Ministry of Plantation has recommended the lifting of the oil palm ban. The committee has recommended that the planting has to be done in accordance with Coconut Research Guidelines
“Removal of ban will be a progressive approach to sustainable agriculture and economic development,” said the Palm Oil Industry Association (POAS) in Sri Lanka.
This committee was appointed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries on a directive of Cabinet due to a series of representations made by small and medium sector growers and regional plantation companies (RPC).
An Additional Secretary to the Ministry headed the team and experts from research stations, Irrigation and the legal officer of the Ministry was also in the committee.
“Oil palm cultivation holds great potential for enhancing the agricultural sector, ensuring food security, and bolstering the overall economy of Sri Lanka. In addition, it will give higher income than most of the other agricultural crops.”
Lifting the ban will ensure a significant step towards harnessing the full potential of this versatile crop.
The lifting of the ban not only creates new opportunities for farmers and local communities but also paves the way for innovation and investments in sustainable agricultural practices.
It will also contribute to the diversification of the country’s agricultural landscape, thereby reducing reliance on a few key crops. With appropriate regulations and sustainable practices in place, oil palm cultivation can be conducted in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner. This decision not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also offers a promising future for the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka.
Currently only 12% oil palm is produced locally. Though a previous President egged on the palm oil plantation which made RPC’s to invest over Rs. 500 million into nurseries. However, under the Maithripala Sirisena Presidency he arbitrarily ordered a ban on palm oil in March 2019 resulting in RPC’s to abandon their nurseries.
Sri Lanka’s nearest neighbor India is expanding Oil Palm cultivation exponentially. In 2023, the import bill associated with palm oil was approximately US$ 300 million.
The Palm Oil Industry Association in Sri Lanka is committed to supporting and promoting responsible agricultural practices in the region and looking forward to collaborating with local stakeholders and farmers to ensure that the cultivation of oil palm in Sri Lanka is conducted in a sustainable and ethical manner, respecting both the environment and local communities.
Shirajiv Sirimane