Time to look at underutilised food sources

Despite Sri Lanka’s abundance of agricultural resources, food security remains a significant challenge, with nearly onethird of the population living below the poverty line. Utilising unexploited agricultural commodities in the food processing industry could play a vital role in addressing food security issues in the country.

The agricultural food processing industry plays a crucial role in the economy by adding value to raw agricultural products and transforming them into processed foods that can be sold domestically and exported to international markets. The industry provides direct and indirect employment opportunities for a significant number of people, contributes to the country’s foreign exchange earnings and supports the overall growth and development of the food and agricultural sectors.

While Sri Lanka is self-sufficient in certain staple crops such as rice, there is a need to diversify the food supply to ensure adequate nutrition for all. This is where the utilisation of unexploited agricultural commodities comes into play.

There are a variety of crops such as jak fruit, breadfruit, yams, sweet potato, unexploited fruits, vegetables and several types of edible seaweed that have much potential to be utilised in the food processing industry. These are currently underutilised due to a lack of awareness of their potential value, limited processing facilities and inadequate infrastructure facilities. They are not only nutritious but also have a low environmental impact and are well adapted to Sri Lanka’s climate and soil conditions.

By processing these crops into value-added food products, the food processing industry can create new markets and increase their value, provide additional income for farmers and contribute to the country’s overall economic development. The availability of diverse food products can provide consumers with a wider range of food options.

There are already some examples of successful utilisation of underutilised crops in Sri Lanka’s food processing industry. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed such as the lack of infrastructure and technology for processing these crops on a large scale. There is a need for research and development to identify the best processing methods for each crop and to develop new products that meet consumer demand.

The agricultural food processing industry is a critical component of Sri Lanka’s economy, providing employment opportunities, adding value to agricultural products, generating foreign exchange earnings, ensuring food security and driving technological innovation. It is essential that the government and private sector continue to invest in this industry to support its growth and development in the current economic conditions.

The food processing industry in Sri Lanka too is still in its infancy, with limited processing capabilities and infrastructure. However, with the right investment and support, it too has the potential to become a significant contributor to the country’s economy and food security.