EDB holds programme on ornamental plant production for export
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the National Plant Quarantine Service, National Botanic Gardens Department and Sri Lanka floriculture industry experts organised a full-day workshop on production of ornamental plants.
The workshop was held at the EDB auditorium.
The objective of this workshop was to encourage new investments in ornamental plant production for export market whilst improving the product quality. The workshop was organised for floriculture exporters/potential exporters and suppliers.
With the development of higher living standards of the world, people have started to buy more ornamental plants for personal use as well as for gifts. Also in companies, at events, weddings and recreation purposes have shown a use of more flowers and plants for indoor decorations.
In Europe and the USA, there is a trend in bringing nature back in the daily life, by using natural ornamental plants. Therefore, there is a demand for best quality ornamental plants in the global market.
The floriculture industry is considered a high income generating agribusiness and it can potentially be harnessed as a means of socioeconomic development in Sri Lanka. Also, this sector can be identified as one of the opportunities to get women’s contribution to the national economy. It will enable the empowerment of women’s workforce while improving the standard of living.
Exporting floriculture products, Sri Lanka earned around US $ 16 million in the year 2017. Of that 39 percent of products were exported as live plants while 60 percent of them were exported as cut foliage. The world demand for ornamental plant production in the year 2017 was nearly US $ 19 billion; its Sri Lankan share is only 0.17 percent.
In order to cater to the export market, ornamental plants should be made in uniform quality in large quantities. Prior to the export, the plant quarantine certificate should be obtained according to the importing country regulations. Since the current production is not sufficient, the EDB has identified that new investments need to be promoted with the technological knowhow.