The North Central Provincial Department of Agriculture inaugurated a state-of-the-art Banana Tissue Culture Planting Material Production Laboratory at the In-Service Training Institute in Maha Illuppallama, North Central Province, with technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) under the South-South Cooperation (SSC) Programme with the People’s Republic of China.
The laboratory, equipped through FAO’s support, will provide high-quality banana tissue cultured planting materials to farmers in the North Central, Northern, and North Western Provinces. Until now, farmers in these regions have relied on supplies transported from the southern part of the country, which proved both costly and inefficient due to transport-related damage.
This facility will significantly improve the availability of disease-free, high-yielding banana planting materials, enabling producers to increase productivity, quality, and profitability. The laboratory is expected to directly benefit banana nursery owners and farmers while contributing to a more inclusive and competitive fruit value chain.
FAO supported the establishment of the laboratory by financing the procurement of specialized equipment and chemicals, and by facilitating technical training for staff to ensure smooth operations and high standards. The initiative aligns with the project’s goal of improving the efficiency and competitiveness of banana, mango, and pineapple value chains in Sri Lanka to enhance both domestic production and export potential.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Wasantha Jinadasa, Governor of North Central Province, said “This Banana Tissue Culture Laboratory marks an important step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s fruit sector. By improving farmers’ access to high-quality planting material, we are empowering our agricultural communities, reducing costs, and paving the way for greater competitiveness in local and international markets.”
Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, added “This laboratory is a practical example of how partnerships can deliver tangible benefits to farmers. By combining Sri Lanka’s commitment to agricultural development with FAO’s technical expertise and China’s support through South-South Cooperation, we are ensuring that farmers have access to the quality planting material they need to increase productivity and incomes.”
This milestone contributes to Sri Lanka’s broader efforts to modernize its agriculture sector, increase farmer incomes, and promote sustainable, market-oriented fruit production.
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