Minister of Plantation Industries
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
Sri Lanka’s post-harvest losses in the agriculture sector amount to more than Rs 55 billion, which issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible, Minister of Plantation Industries Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said.
“Since the whole world is heading towards a major food crisis, including Sri Lanka, post- harvest loss is an issue the government has been considering in a big way and many proposals are underway to address this issue, Pathirana said at the opening day of ‘Pro Food, Pro Pack & Ag-biz 2022’, Sri Lanka’s only comprehensive food, agriculture and packaging exhibition, launched at the BMICH recently.
This year’s event was the 19th consecutive such exhibition. The exhibition which ran for three days ended on November 19.
The event was organized by the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association together with Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services (Pvt) Ltd (LECS). The exhibition was supported and endorsed by the Ministry of Plantation Industries.
Pathirana added: “The government is now taking a special interest in the growth of the export and manufacturing sectors. But post-harvest loss is also a subject which has been emphasized together with damage of crops due to wild animals, which also amounts to Rs 55 billion.
“This event which has witnessed an evolutionary increase over the decades will be held under the theme “Farm to the Fork”, denoting the entire chain of the food industry, which includes and revolves around farms, to processing, packaging, transport and finally consumption.
“The exhibition could not be held for the past two years due to the global pandemic. But now, with the re-launching of events in Sri Lanka, this exhibition has proved a sell-out. The organizers had been planning on having a grand show.”
Chairman, Agri Business Council Mario de Alwis said the exhibition and consumer fair, held over three days, will attract a large audience from all walks of the country.
“The event is a platform to interact with prospective buyers and also helps to understand the new
technology that is being used for the sector. Moreover, the event will feature all facets of the food and beverage industry and will include intricate details and meticulous processes that are required to make food products available to the consumer, he said.
Observers added: ‘The event is renowned for providing a unique and comprehensive platform for the discovery and introduction of food processing, engineering and packaging services, among a host of other benefits for both visitors and the stall holders.
‘The first pavilion was from the largest global player in the region, India. Over 50 companies from India participated in this year’s event, promoted by The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM). The second pavilion is by the Export Development Board (EDB).
‘The “National Packaging Pavilion ” at the exhibition gives SMEs and small-time businesses the tools and know- how on value-added packaging services.
‘The Ministry of Industries sponsored the SME and micro sector entities’ pavilion within the main
event. The organizing committee had taken a very good initiative by providing a special pavilion for university students to display their innovations as well.
‘A highlight at this year’s event was the Street Food Fiesta and Cooking Studio.
The event has been earmarked as ‘a must attend’ throughout the entirety of its existence.’
