The Hon. Namal Karunaratne - Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock

¶ 01 Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Minister:

¶ 02 (a) (i) Yes. Approximately 7 lakh (700,000) stakeholders, including farmers, are engaged in export-oriented crops and related industries.

¶ 03 (ii) The Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) implements guidance and training on agricultural practices suitable for export standards, technical advice to enhance post-harvest quality, and investment support to link entrepreneurs to export markets.

¶ 04 (iii) The DEA’s primary mandate is to achieve quantitative and qualitative promotion of export agricultural products in an environmentally friendly manner, thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings and ensuring sustainable socio-economic development of all stakeholders in the export agricultural sector. DEA’s subject purview includes spice, beverage and stimulant crops such as pepper, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, coffee, cocoa, vanilla, arecanut, betel, citronella, goraka, turmeric and ginger, with development and research programmes to promote their cultivation and export.

¶ 05 (iv) A “Business Advisory Unit” is established at DEA Headquarters to directly guide and assist. At district/provincial level, awareness and training are conducted; coordination among relevant institutions is strengthened; and convenient access is provided. Information is disseminated via electronic and social media to reach youth and promote export among them.

¶ 06 (b) Not applicable.