Articles
The citrus industry in Sri Lanka: current status, challenges, and future prospects
Article number
1448_93
Pages
765 – 772
Language
English
Abstract
Agriculture is one of the primary sectors of the Sri Lankan economy, contributing 8.7% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The fruit sector, in particular, accounted for 0.6% of the GDP in 2022, with citrus cultivation playing a vital role within this industry.
The diverse agro-ecological zones across Sri Lanka allow for the cultivation of various citrus species, including mandarin, orange, lime, lemon, and pummelo.
While most of these fruits are grown for local consumption, a smaller portion is exported, supporting both farmer livelihoods and the national economy.
In 2022, Sri Lanka exported 42 metric t of lemons, while also importing substantial amounts of citrus, including 5,827 t of fresh mandarins and 2,407 t of fresh oranges.
Despite the favorable climate, citrus productivity in Sri Lanka is below the global average, primarily due to suboptimal farming practices, limited access to high-quality cultivars, and pests and diseases.
Home gardens, which contribute most of the citrus production, typically yield less.
The industry also faces challenges such as the short economic lifespan of orchards, declining productivity, less suitable varieties for certain regions, and inefficiencies in marketing.
Nevertheless, ongoing research by the Department of Agriculture aims to address these issues by introducing new cultivars and enhancing agronomic practices.
There is also potential for growth in citrus processing, value addition, and international exports, though domestic consumption remains low at around 40 g person‑1 day‑1, well below the recommended level.
Future strategies for the citrus sector include expanding commercial cultivation, establishing mother plant orchards, improving postharvest management, and strengthening value chains.
These efforts are designed to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the citrus industry in Sri Lanka.
The diverse agro-ecological zones across Sri Lanka allow for the cultivation of various citrus species, including mandarin, orange, lime, lemon, and pummelo.
While most of these fruits are grown for local consumption, a smaller portion is exported, supporting both farmer livelihoods and the national economy.
In 2022, Sri Lanka exported 42 metric t of lemons, while also importing substantial amounts of citrus, including 5,827 t of fresh mandarins and 2,407 t of fresh oranges.
Despite the favorable climate, citrus productivity in Sri Lanka is below the global average, primarily due to suboptimal farming practices, limited access to high-quality cultivars, and pests and diseases.
Home gardens, which contribute most of the citrus production, typically yield less.
The industry also faces challenges such as the short economic lifespan of orchards, declining productivity, less suitable varieties for certain regions, and inefficiencies in marketing.
Nevertheless, ongoing research by the Department of Agriculture aims to address these issues by introducing new cultivars and enhancing agronomic practices.
There is also potential for growth in citrus processing, value addition, and international exports, though domestic consumption remains low at around 40 g person‑1 day‑1, well below the recommended level.
Future strategies for the citrus sector include expanding commercial cultivation, establishing mother plant orchards, improving postharvest management, and strengthening value chains.
These efforts are designed to enhance productivity, improve fruit quality, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the citrus industry in Sri Lanka.
Publication
Authors
U.I.P. Perera, P.S.R. Premarathne
Keywords
agriculture, citrus cultivation, fruit cultivation, productivity, value addition
Groups involved
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