FAO, China, Sri Lanka Team Up to Power Fruit Sector

COLOMBO (News 1st); The North Central Provincial Department of Agriculture has launched a cutting-edge Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory at the In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama.

The facility, developed with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under the South-South Cooperation Programme with China, is set to revolutionize banana cultivation in the North Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces.

Until now, farmers in these regions depended on planting materials shipped from the south — a costly and damage-prone process. 

This new lab changes the game by offering locally produced, disease-free, high-yielding banana plants, helping farmers cut costs and boost productivity.

The FAO not only funded the procurement of specialized equipment and chemicals but also trained staff to ensure the lab runs at international standards. 

The initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the banana, mango, and pineapple value chains in Sri Lanka, enhancing both domestic production and export potential.