Fresh produce industry seeks government support

The Sri Lanka Fruits and Vegetable Producers, Processors and Exporters Association is asking the government for support to increase fruit and vegetable exports. The association believes it can double exports to more than LKR6bn (US$58.4m) in the coming year with government assistance. The association says that there is high demand for quality Sri Lankan fruits and vegetables from the Gulf region, Europe and the Maldives. However, Sri Lankan exporters are struggling to compete with subsidised exports from other countries.