Colombo, Dec 22 – Sri Lanka is looking to Australia to find ways to safely import raw coconuts, as a drought has sharply reduced the crop, EconomyNext reported Friday.
Sri Lanka had already decided to import coconut kernels, and the cabinet of ministers had decided to transfer the responsibility to the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affairs to speed up the process, the state information office said.
Sri Lanka does not usually import raw coconut over fears that diseases and pests coming with the fruits will hit the local coconut plantations.
The cabinet of ministers had decided to seek Australia assistance to quarantine and safely import coconuts, the local media report said.
Australia has a strong agricultural base and effective quarantine methods.
