Sri Lanka is set to develop 5,039 hectares of underutilized land for large-scale commercial fruit cultivation, targeting international markets under a new agricultural development initiative.
The project, introduced under the second phase of the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme, aims to transform previously underutilized upland areas into environmentally friendly commercial agricultural lands.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation, the initiative will focus on cultivating export-oriented fruits, including mangoes, guavas, bananas, papayas and passion fruit, while rehabilitating minor tank systems to support agricultural activities.
The project was discussed at meetings held in Anuradhapura on 11 November 2026, with the participation of Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation K.D. Lal Kantha. The discussions took place at the National Institute of Post-Harvest Management and the C Bank premises, where stakeholders were briefed on the project’s implementation.
Intercropping to Support Farmers’ Income
Under the programme, farmers will also be encouraged to cultivate intercrops such as chillies, groundnuts, watermelons, green gram and sesame. These crops are expected to generate additional income during the initial years until the fruit trees reach full productivity.
Sustainable Water Management and Agricultural Infrastructure
The newly developed agricultural lands will receive water through solar-powered, demand-based pressurized pipe distribution systems to promote efficient and climate-friendly water management.
Until the completion of the North Central Province Main Canal Project, the Commercial Agriculture Development (CAD) programme will utilise existing water sources in selected tank systems to support upland cultivation.
Meanwhile, approximately 2,000 hectares of existing commercial agricultural lands are also expected to be modernized under the programme.
Strengthening Agricultural Productivity and Export Potential
According to the Ministry, the initiative aims to improve crop quality, strengthen agricultural productivity and enable Sri Lankan agricultural products to meet international market demand.
Through the development of new commercial agricultural lands and the modernization of existing cultivation areas, the programme is expected to contribute to the further development of Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector and its export potential.
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation
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