May 9, 2012

Sri Lanka to ship corn in two weeks

For the first time, Sri Lankan government has taken measures to export corn within the next two weeks, said Agriculture Minister Mahinda Yapa Abeywardane.

"Sri Lanka is already self-sufficient in corn. The surplus will be exported to Canada, Taiwan, etc. The annual local requirement of corn is 180,000 tonnes. Presently, 200,000 tonnes is produced in the country. About 10,000 tonnes from the surplus will be exported," he said.

The minister said corn is the third largest planted crop in the world.

"The USA, China and Brazil contribute 64% of the world's corn demand. Corn will be collected for export from Anuradhapura, Nochchiyagama, Galenbidunuwewa and Horawapathana areas. Corn consumption has increased tremendously during the past two to three years.

Popcorn and corn buds are very popular among Sri Lankans. Corn based products such as corn flakes, corn oil and corn starch are popular in urban areas and most products are imported to Sri Lanka," Abeywardane said.